Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__5'799

Introduced by HONORABLE LANI MERCADO-REVILLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Professional boxing has been the sport where the Philippines earned the distinction of
excellence. Boxers such as Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, Ceferino Garcia, Luisito Espinosa, Gerry
Penalosa and our colleague Congressman Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao have all brought
prestige and honor to our country through boxing.

Due to the prestige and financial rewards of being a professional boxer, many Filipinos
especially from poor families become professional boxers.

As a contact sport, professional boxing carries the risk of bodily injury, which may result
into permanent disability or even death.

Recently, a professional boxer named Karlo Maquinto died six (6) days after a boxing
match after suffering from serious head injuries.

After several investigations and inquiries, it was discovered that the present requirements
and regulations as implemented by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) for licensing of
professional boxers and requirements for boxing matches are inadequate to protect the health of
professional boxers.

Hence, this bill is sought to impose additional requirements for licensing of professional
boxers as well as requirements before a boxing match will be permitted to be held.

In this regard, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. hdtecoseawana

2” District, Cavite


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

5799

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE LANI MERCADO-REVILLA

AN ACT FOR THE PROTECTION OF PROFESSIONAL BOXERS

SECTION 1. The provisions of this Act shall be implemented by the Games and
Amusements Board (GAB), which was created under Executive Order No. 392 Series of 1951

SEC. 2. Medical Clearance. A professional boxer shall submit to the GAB a medical
clearance every six (6) months, which shall not be later than June 31 and December 31 of every
year. Such clearance shall be a requirement for the boxer to continue fighting in boxing matches.
Medical clearance shall include the following medical results but not limited to CT Scan, X-Ray,
ECG, Drug Test, HIV Test and Eye Refraction. The non-submission of this medical clearance to
the GAB shall be a ground for the non-issuance or non-renewal of the license of the professional
boxer.

SEC. 3. Frequency of fights. The following medical suspensions shall be imposed to
professional boxers after boxing matches, whether winning or losing the match:

a.) Four-round match : not less than fifteen (15) days;
b.)Six-round match : not less than twenty (20) days;
¢.) Eight, Ten and Twelve-round matches: _not less than thirty (30) days.

The present medical suspensions by the GAB on a boxer after a knockout loss shall be
maintained.

While on medical suspension, the boxer shall be prohibited to participate in a boxing
match whether in the Philippines or abroad.

SEC. 4. Insurance. A boxing match shall not be permitted to proceed without an
insurance procured by the promoter to cover the expenses in the event of injuries sustained by
boxers in the course of the fight.

SEC. 5. Penalties - Any person found guilty of the punishable act herein shall be
punishable with imprisonment of prision correccional or a fine of at least Fifty Thousand Pesos
(P50,000.00) but not exceeding Two Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) or both at the
discretion of the court.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, presidential issuances, executive
orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.


SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance be held unconstitutional or be declared invalid, the
remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby.

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of

general circulation.

Approved,