Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

898
HOUSE BILL NO, 4

Introduced by HONORABLE ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

No doubt, the sport of boxing occupies a special place in the hearts of
Filipinos. It has been a source of immense pride to our country, thanks to the long
list of our boxers who have shown the greatness of Filipino spirit to the rest of the
world, Boxing greats like Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Rolando Navarrete, Nonito
Donaire, and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, serve as inspiration to the next
generation of local boxers to continue our dominance in this sport. And in the
recent years, other combat sports have also gained strong momentum and
following among Filipinos, even spurring many promising local talents.

However, it is also a sad truth that most of our boxers and combatants are
being neglected by the State, which is constitutionally mandated to “give priority to
.. Sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and
promote total human liberation and development” (Sec. 17, Art. II). Many have
been accepting too low a pay every match just to sustain their families. They are
in constant danger of medical complications, with occasional fatalities being
reported. Facilities and equipment are scarce and expensive, making the cost of
training too high for aspiring fighters. Worse, a great number do not receive
constant support come retirement, condemning them into misery and infirmity in
their later years.

These, among other problems, prove that the existing government
infrastructure supposed to protect and promote our boxers and combatants’


welfare is unconscionably weak. It is not commensurate with the value we, as a
society, attribute to these combat sports. The stature of boxing and combat sports
in our country, as well as their inherently dangerous nature, justifies the creation
of a Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission (PBCSC), which would
finally give our fighters the attention and support they have long deserved.

The proposed PBCSC will endeavor to strengthen the boxing and combat
sports industry in the Philippines towards developing world-class professional
boxers and combatants, and to utilize the sport for revenue and employment to the
end of promoting the safety and welfare of fighters and providing supplemental
assistance to the industry's registered stakeholders. Once created, the PBCSC will
be able to provide and implement the necessary welfare incentives and benefits
long overdue to all professional boxers and combatants who have brought, and
continue to bring, honor and prestige to our country.

In view of all these, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8984
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE BOXING AND COMBAT SPORTS COMMISSION
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Boxing
and Combat Sports Commission Act of 2021".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —Itis the policy of the State to promote sports
to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, promote human
development, and contribute to economic growth and development.

The State shall provide focus to, and develop excellence in, professional
boxing and combat sports and ensure the development and safety of Filipino
professional boxers and combatants.

It shall also support the growth of professional boxing and combat sports
industry, and shall promote the country as an intemational/regional center for
professional boxing and combat sports competition, training, convention, and

tourism.


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It shall also harness the participation, dedication and technical expertise of
stakeholders of the professional boxing and combat sports industry.

Towards these ends, the State shall establish a commission that will
formulate and implement a national policy for the development and growth of
professional boxing and combat sports.

SEc. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms
shall be defined as follows:

(a) Combat sports refer to any of the following or a combination of any of the
following:

(1) Boxing or fist fighting in any of its styles;

(2) Kickboxing in any of its styles; and

(8) Any sport, martial art, or activity that involves, in accordance with
the applicable regulation, striking, kicking, hitting, grappling, throwing and/or
punching opponents.

(b) Commission refers to the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports
Commission, created under Section 4 of this Act;

(c) License refers to a document, issued by the Commission, authorizing a
person or entity to perform duties connected with professional boxing and combat
sports;

(d) Manager refers to a person who acts as an agent or representative of a
professional boxer or combatant, and receives compensation for such acts;

(e) Permit refers to a document, issued by the Commission, authorizing a

person or entity to hold, promote or engage in the conduct or operation of a

professional boxing or combat sports match;


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(f) Professional boxer refers to a boxer who is issued a license by the
Commission to fight in a professional boxing match for a sum of money or other
compensation, such as a salary or prize money;

(g) Professional boxing match refers to a boxing match between professional
boxers who shall receive money or other compensation for fighting in said match,
but shall not refer to a boxing contest that is organized by an amateur sports
organization;

(h) Professional combatant refers to a person who is issued a license by the
Commission to fight in a professional combat sports match for a sum of money
or other compensation, such as a salary or prize;

(i) Professional combat sports match refers to a sports match between
professional combatants who shall receive money or other compensation for
fighting in said match; and

() Promoter refers to a person, group of persons, or an entity, licensed as
such by the Commission and primarily responsible for organizing, promoting, and
producing a professional boxing or combat sports match. The term "promoter"
does not include a hotel, casino, resort, or other commercial establishment
hosting or sponsoring a professional boxing or combat sports match unless - (')
the hotel, casino, resort, or other commercial establishment is primarily
responsible for organizing, promoting, and producing the match; or (ii) there is no
person, group of persons, or any other entity, who is primarily responsible for
organizing, promoting, and producing the match.

SEC. 4. Creation of the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports

Commission. — To carry out the above declared policies, the Philippine Boxing


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and Combat Sports Commission is hereby created. The Commission shall be
directly under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President.
SEC. 5. Objectives. — The Commission shall have the following objectives:
(a) Support the continued growth of professional boxing and combat sports
in the country;
(b) Encourage the discovery, training and development of world-class
professional boxers and combatants;
(c) Protect and enhance the welfare of professional boxers and combatants;
and
(d) In collaboration with the private sector, national government agencies,
and local government units (LGUs), promote and make the country as an
intemational/regional center for professional boxing and combat sports
competition, training, convention, and tourism
SEc. 6. Composition. — The Commission shall be composed of five (5)
members, as follows:
(a) A nationally-recognized advocate for the development and growth of
professional boxing and combat sports in the country, as Chairperson;
(b) The Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) or his/her
representative, Member,
(c) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) or his/her
representative, Member;
(d) The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) or his/her representative, Member; and
(e) A representative of the professional boxing and combat sports industry,

Member.


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The representatives of the Secretaries of the DOH, DOT and DILG shall have
a rank not lower than a Bureau Director and must have knowledge, experience or
involved in: sports medicine and/or health emergency management, tourism
planning or convention management, and boxing and combat sports development,
respectively. The DILG Secretary may opt to designate the president of the League
of Provinces of the Philippines, or the League of Cities of the Philippines, or the
League of Municipalities of the Philippines as his duly authorized representative to
the Commission, in lieu of an official of the Department.

The Chairperson and the representative of the professional boxing and
combat sports industry shall be selected and appointed by the President of the
Philippines from nominees submitted by the professional boxing and combat sports
industry.

SEC. 7. Term of Office. — The Chairperson and the representative of the
professional boxing and combat sports industry shall have a term of six (6) years
and may be reappointed by the President of the Philippines. Any appointment to a
vacancy in the position of the Chairperson or the representative of the professional
boxing and combat sports industry that occurs before the expiration of the term
shall be for the unexpired portion of the term only.

The Chairperson and the industry representative may be suspended or
removed by the President of the Philippines for just cause as provided by law.

SEC. 8. Meetings and Quorum. — The Commission shall meet regularly
once a month or as often as the exigencies of the service may demand, upon the
call of the Chairperson or upon the request of at least two (2) members of the
Commission. The vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Commission

shall be necessary for the adoption of any rule, resolution, or decision.


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Sec. 9. Allowances and Per Diems. — The Chairperson and Members of
the Commission shall be entitled to per diems, allowances and other reimbursable
expenses as prescribed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Sec. 10, Powers and Duties of the Commission. — The Commission shall
have the following powers and duties:

(a) Formulate, initiate, plan, and implement a national policy for the growth
of professional boxing and combat sports, and the discovery, training and
development of professional boxers and combatants;

(b) Formulate, promulgate, review, and update the rules and procedures in
order to regulate professional boxing and combat sports, in conformity with
international standards;

(c) Establish rules, set requirements, and collect fees for the grant or renewal
of a license to a professional boxer, combatant, coach, trainer, promoter, judge,
referee, and other ring officials and personnel, and for the issuance of a permit for
a professional boxing or combat sports match;

(a) For violation of any rule or requirement, including the conditions for the
issuance of a license or permit, impose administrative fines and penalties,
including the suspension or revocation of a license or permit;

(e) Act as a quasi-judicial body and, on its own motion or upon complaint of
any interested party, initiate, hear, and decide any investigation for any violation of
its rules and regulations and, in connection therewith, issue subpoena ad
testificandum and subpoena duces tecum

(f) Determine and set safety standards, including the presence and
availability of emergency medical personnel and services, in all professional boxing

and combat sports matches in the country;


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(g) Establish a system of registration and licensing of boxers, combatants,
referees, trainers, seconds, cut man and other ring officials and personnel;

(h) Maintain an integrated registry of professional boxers, combatants,
coaches, trainers, judges, referees, promoters and other ring officials and
personnel;

(i) Seek or request the assistance and support of any government agency,
office or instrumentality, including government-owned or controlled corporations,
LGUs as well as nongovernmental organizations or institutions in pursuit of its
policies and programs;

(j) Establish a consultative mechanism, which shall provide a forum for
continuing dialogue between and among all stakeholders, in the implementation of
all laws, policies, programs, and projects relating to professional boxing and
combat sports;

(k) Establish and maintain linkages with international boxing and combat
sports organizations or institutions and counterpart agencies of foreign
governments, including the hosting of international conventions and conferences,
for the enhancement of standards and regulations on the conduct of professional

boxing and combat sports matches, on facilities and equipment used therein, and

the participation of professional boxers and combatants, particularly of Filipino
professional boxers and combatants in international events;

(I) Allocate resources for the implementation of national policies and
programs related to professional boxers and combatants;

(m) Submit an annual report on the implementation of this Act to the President

and to Congress; and


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(n) Perform such other powers and functions as may be necessary to
effectively and efficiently carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 11. Organizational Structure. — Subject to the approval of the DBM,
the Commission shall determine its organizational structure and staffing pattern,
create offices, divisions, or units as it may deem necessary, and appoint its officers
and employees in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations, The
remuneration structure for the positions in the staffing pattern shall strictly conform
to Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position
Classification Act of 1989", as amended.

SEC. 12. Executive Director. — The Commission shall have a full-time
Executive Director who shall be responsible for implementing the policies, rules,
regulations and directives of the Commission; the management of the
Commission's daily operations; and for coordinating and supervising the activities
of the different offices, divisions, and units of the Commission.

The Executive Director shall have a term of six (6) years and may be
reappointed. He shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the
nomination of the Commission.

The nominee to the Executive Director position must be of known probity:and
integrity and shall have nationally recognized experience and comprehensive
knowledge in professional boxing and combat sports, and preferably has relevant
experience in the management of a government regulatory agency, policy
formulation, adjudication, and program and project delivery and management.

SEC. 13. Physical, Medical and Neurologic Examination Requirements.
—No person or entity can arrange, promote, organize, or produce a professional

boxing and combat sports match without a physical, medical, neurologic and other


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diagnostic examinations being conducted on each participating professional boxer
or combatant by a licensed physician, who is recognized by the Commission. The
recognized licensed physician shall likewise certify that the professional boxer or
combatant is physically fit to safely compete, in compliance with the requirements
of the Commission.

Sec. 14, Mandatory Rest Period. — There shall be an interval in which
professional boxers and combatants can compete in boxing contests and combat
sports matches, which shalll be referred to as mandatory rest period. The duration
of the mandatory rest period shalll be determined by the Commission.

Sec, 15. Emergency Medical Services. — A professional boxing and
combat sports match may be held only if:

(a) A licensed practicing physician, whose services are paid by the promoter
and duly registered with the Commission, is continuously present at the ringside of
the professional boxing and combat sports match;

(b) Ambulance services, with appropriate equipment and competent
personnel, shall be made available within the immediate vicinity of the ring by
DOH-accredited ambulance service providers; and

(©) A tertiary hospital is near the vicinity of the event.

The absence of any of the aforementioned requirements shall be a cause for
the non-issuance or the immediate cancellation of the permit to hold the
professional boxing and combat sports match.

SEc. 16. Social Pension and Health Care Benefits. — All professional
boxers and combatants shall be enrolled with the Social Security System (SSS),
Philippine Health insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development

Mutual Fund (HDMF) or PAG-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in


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accordance with the pertinent provisions of law. The enrollment of professional
boxers and combatants with, and the remittance of mandatory contributions to,
these government agencies shall be done by the manager of the professional
boxer or combatant: Provided, That in case the professional boxer or combatant is
not represented by a manager, it is the professional boxer or combatant who shall
register and remit his or her mandatory contributions.

The SSS shall develop and administer a separate social security program
for professional boxers and combatants. This program, subject to actuarial studies,
may have different contribution, pension, and other benefit schemes.

Sec. 17, Exemption from Travel Taxes and Fees. — A three-man
professional boxing or combat sports delegation, composed of the professional
boxer or combatant, the promoter or manager, and the trainer, to any international
competition shall be exempt from the payment of travel tax, airport tax and: any
other travel related taxes or fees now or hereafter imposed by law or regulation.

SEc. 18. Alternative Livelihood Programs for Retired and/or injured
Professional Boxers and Combatants. — The Commission, in coordination with
various stakeholders in the professional boxing and combat sports industry, with
the assistance of other government agencies and LGUs, shall establish or
spearhead an alternative livelihood training program for retired and/or injured
professional boxers and combatants.

SEC. 19. Compensation of Professional Boxing and Combat Sports
Officials. — All professional boxing and combat sports officials involved in any
match shall not receive funds or compensation in any form, directly or indirectly,
from the promoter or its agents. Such funds or compensation shall be coursed

through and collected by the Commission for appropriate disbursement.


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SEC. 20. Professional Boxers and Combatants Welfare Development
Trust Fund. — A Professional Boxers and Combatants Welfare Development
Trust Fund is hereby established to complement the budget for welfare benefits
and enhance and uplift the social and economic opportunities and conditions of
present and former professional boxers and combatants, including, but not limited
to, medical and health services; housing and livelihood assistance; and financial
assistance for education and capability building/training. The Commission shall set
the qualifications and requirements in the disbursement of the Trust Fund.

It shall be administered by the Commission as a special account in any
government bank. It shall be funded from administrative fines imposed by the
Commission, and contributions in the form of endowments, grants and donations
to the Trust Fund, which shall be exempted from donor and other taxes, charges
or fees imposed by the government: Provided, That in cases of donations from
foreign governments or other foreign institutions, acceptance thereof shall be
subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines upon recommendation
of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

SEC. 21. Transitory Provisions. — Upon the organization of the
Commission, the Boxing and Contact Sports Division of the GAB shall be
abolished: Provided, That its powers and functions shall be absorbed by the
Commission: Provided, further, That the officers and employees thereof shall
continue in a holdover capacity until such time as the new officers and employees
of the Commission shall have been duly appointed pursuant to the provisions of
this Act. All qualified regular or permanent employees who may be transferred to

the Commission shall not suffer any loss in seniority or rank or decrease in


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emoluments. Any employee who cannot be absorbed by the Commission shall be
entitled to a separation pay under existing retirement laws.

All other functions, appropriations, funds, records, equipment, facilities, and
other assets of the GAB that are pertaining to the development and regulation of
professional boxing and combat sports shall be transferred to the Commission.

SEC. 22. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to fund the
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days
from the start of the effectivity of this Act, the Commission shall, upon consultation
with national government agencies, LGUs, and the different stakeholders in the
professional boxing and combat sports industry, promulgate the implementing
rules and regulations of this Act.

SEc. 24. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees or issuances,
executive orders, rules or regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 25. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 26. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers
of general circulation

Approved,