EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
Y'k-''c(Still f o( 
fri p tflip
S E N A T E
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE BOXING AND COMBAT SPORTS COMMISSION 
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The sport of boxing has no doubt become a part of our country's culture as it 
undoubtedly brings our nation together every time one of our elite boxing or combat 
sports professionals have a bout. It has truly become an instrument of unity for the 
Filipinos, making us set aside our differences to become one nation supporting a fellow 
countryman representing us to the whole world.
The rise of boxing or combat sports popularity has grown exponentially in the past 
decade due to the number of elite athletes we have. Our nation has deep roots when it 
comes to combat since we are well known around the world due to the number of our 
martial arts styles and disciplines which are also used in the training of foreign military 
units around the world. To name a few disciplines other than boxing, we have Dumog, 
Kali, Eskrima, Kino Mutai, Panantukan, Sikaram, Yawyan and many others. In the eyes 
of the world, we are champions and veterans in the field of boxing and combat sports.
The rise of popularity goes hand-in-hand with growth of interest. Each and every 
day, more and more of our young choose to take the road of boxing or combat sports


with the hopes of bringing honor to our nation, to elevate their status in life, and to be 
able to better provide the needs of their families.
This field entails obvious hazards. Boxers and combat athletes are at high risk of 
death due to the dangerous nature of their chosen profession. It is the duty of the state 
to enhance current policies and implement new laws, rules and regulations to further 
protect the welfare of our warriors.
Considering that this bill aims to safeguard members of a growing sector of our 
country, the passage of this bill into law is earnestly sought.
RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
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S E N A T E  
S. No. 3 0 5
'19 JUL 29 All 23
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Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG RE VILLA, JR.
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE BOXING AND COMBAT SPORTS COMMISSION 
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. —  This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Boxing and
2 
Combat Sports Commission Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. —  It is the policy of the State to promote sports
4 
to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote human
5 
liberation and development. The State shall promote excellence in professional boxing
6 
and combat sports by establishing a commission that will formulate and implement a
7 
national policy for the development and safety of Filipino professional boxers and
8 
combatants.
9 
Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms. -  As used in this Act:
10 
(a) Boxer refers to an individual who fights another in a boxing match;
11 
(b) Combat sports refer to any of the following or a combination of any of the
12 
following:
13 
(1) Boxing or fist fighting in any of its styles
14 
(2) Kickboxing in any of its styles
15 
(3) Any sport, martial art, or activity that involves, in accordance with the
16 
applicable regulation, striking, kicking, hitting, grappling, throwing and/
17 
or punching opponents


1 
(c) Combatant refers to a person who engages in combat sport as a contestant in
2 
professional combat sports contest;
3 
(d) License refers to a document issued by the Philippine Boxing and Combat
4 
Sports Commission authorizing a person or entity to perform duties as a
5 
privilege connected with professional boxing and combat sports;
6 
(e) Manager refers to a person who receives compensation for service as an agent
7 
or representative of a professional boxer or combatant;
8 
(f) Permit refers to a document issued by the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports
9 
Commission authorizing a person or entity to hold, promote or engage in the
10 
conduct or operation of a professional boxing or combat sports match;
11 
(g) Professional boxer refers to a boxer who is issued a license or permit by the
12 
Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission to fight in a boxing match
13 
for a sum of money or other compensation such as a salary or prize money;
14 
(h) Professional boxing match refers to a boxing match between professional
15 
boxers who shall receive money or other compensation for fighting in said
16 
match, but shall not refer to a boxing contest that is regulated by an amateur
17 
sports organization;
18 
(i) Professional combat sports match refers to a sports match between
19 
professional 
sports 
combatants 
who 
shall 
receive 
money 
or 
other
20 
compensation for fighting in said match;
21 
(j) Professional sports combatant refers to a person who is issued a license or
22 
permit by the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission to fight in a
23 
professional combat sports match for a sum of money, or other compensation
24 
such as a salary or prize; and
25 
(k) Promoter refers to a person, group of persons, or an entity, licensed as such
26 
by the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission and primarily
27 
responsible for organizing, promoting, and producing a professional boxing or
28 
combat sports match. The term "promoter" does not include a hotel, casino,
29 
resort, or other commercial establishment hosting or sponsoring a professional
30 
boxing or combat sports match unless - (i) the hotel, casino, resort, or other
31 
commercial establishment is primarily responsible for organizing, promoting,


1 
and producing the match; or (ii) there is no person or group of persons
2 
primarily responsible for organizing, promoting, and producing the match.
3 
Sec. 4. Creation o f the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission. — To
4 
carry out the above declared policy, the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports
5 
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, is hereby created. The
6 
Commission shall be attached to the Office of the President and have the same status
7 
as a national regulatory agency.
8 
Sec. 5. Objectives. —  The Commission shall have the following objectives:
9 
(a) To strengthen professional boxing and combat sports in the Philippines and
10 
promote the development of world-class professional boxers and combatants;
11 
and
12 
(b) To establish policies related to and regulate professional boxing and combat
13 
sports, and protect the welfare of professional boxers and combatants.
14 
Sec. 6. Composition. —  The Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson
15 
and four (4) members who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines:
16 
Provided, That the Chairperson and two (2) of the members shall be chosen from the
17 
nominees of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), one (1) member chosen from
18 
the nominees of the Department of Health (DOH), and one (1) member from the
19 
nominees from the private sector.
20 
For succeeding appointments to the Commission, the nominations by the PSC
21 
and the DOH shall be submitted to the Office of the President thirty (30) days prior to
22 
the expiration of the term of office of the incumbents, or within thirty (30) days from
23 
the occurrence of any vacancy In the Commission. The nominees shall be of known
24 
integrity and shall have nationally recognized experience and comprehensive
25 
knowledge in professional boxing and combat sports.
26
27
28
Sec. 7. Term o f Office. — The term of office of the Chairperson and the 
members of the Commission shall be six (6) years: Provided, That no vacancy 
shall be filled except for the unexpired portion of any term. The Chairperson


1 
and members of the Commission may be suspended or removed by the
2 
President of the Philippines.
3 
Sec. 8. Meetings and Quorum. — The Commission shall meet regularly once a
4 
month and as often as the exigencies of the service may demand, upon the call of the
5 
Chairperson or upon the request of three (3) members of the Commission. The vote
6 
of a majority of the entire membership of the Commission shall be necessary for the
7 
adoption of any rule, resolution, or decision.
8 
Sec. 9. Allowances and Per Diems. — The members of the Commission shall
9 
receive a per diem for each meeting actually attended by them at the rates set by the
10 
Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) pursuant to Republic Act No. 10149,
11 
otherwise known as the "GOCC Governance Act of 2011".
12 
Sec. 10. Powers and Duties o f the Commission. — The Commission shall have
13 
the following powers and duties:
14 
(a) Formulate, initiate, plan, and implement a national policy for the development
15 
of professional boxing and combat sports;
16 
(b) Formulate, review, and update the rules and procedures related to
17 
professional boxing and combat sports in conformity with international
18 
standards;
19 
(c) Establish a system of registration and licensing of boxers, combatants,
20 
referees, trainers, seconds, cut man and other personnel;
21 
(d) Establish rules, set requirements, and collect fees for the grant or renewal of
22 
a license to a professional boxer, combatant, coach or trainer, promoter 
or
23 
judge or referee, and a permit for a professional boxing or combat sports
24 
match;
25 
(e) Suspend or revoke a license or permit;
26 
(f) Establish a consultative mechanism which shall provide a forum for continuing
27 
dialogue between all stakeholders in the implementation of all laws, policies,
28 
programs, and projects relating to boxing and combat sports;
29 
(g) Act as a quasi-judicial board when it shall deem necessary to initiate, hear,
30 
and decide any investigation for any violation of its rules and regulations and,
31 
in connection therewith, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum;


1 
(h) Determine and set a safety standard for and ensure that emergency medical
2 
personnel and services are available in every professional boxing match and
3 
combat sports in the Philippines;
4 
(i) Maintain an integrated registry of professional boxers, combatants, coaches,
5 
trainers, judges, referees, and promoters;
6 
(j) Seek or request the assistance and support of any government agency, office
7 
or instrumentality including government-owned and controlled corporations,
8 
local government units as well as nongovernmental organizations or
9 
institutions in pursuit of its policies;
10 
(k) Establish and maintain linkages with international boxing and combat sports
11 
organizations or institutions and counterpart agencies of foreign governments
12 
in order to facilitate and ensure the participation of Filipino professional boxers
13 
and combatants in international events;
14 
(I) Allocate resources for the implementation of national policies related to boxers
15 
and combatants;
16 
(m) Submit an annual report on the implementation of this Act to the President
17 
and to Congress; and
18 
(n) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to effectively and efficiently
19 
carry out the provisions of this Act. The functions of the Games and
20 
Amusements
21 
Board (GAB) as well as other entities related to boxing and combat sports are
22 
hereby transferred to the Commission.
23 
Sec. 11. Secretariat - The Commission shall have a secretariat, which shall be
24 
headed by an Executive Director and such other technical and administrative staff as
25 
may be determined by the Commission. The secretariat shall implement the policies
26 
and programs approved by the Commission and administer its day to day functions.
27 
The salaries, allowances, and other emoluments of the secretariat shall be determined
28 
by the Commission in accordance with civil service rules, the salary standardization
29 
law, and other relevant and existing laws.
30 
Sec. 12. Physical and Medical Examination Requirements. — No person may
31 
arrange, promote, organize, produce, or fight in a professional boxing and combat


1 
sports match without a physical and diagnostic examination for each participating
2 
professional boxer or combatant conducted by a licensed physician accredited by the
3 
Commission who certifies that the boxer or combatant is physically fit to safely
4 
compete.
5 
Sec. 13. Mandatory Rest Period. - There shall be an interval between boxing
6 
contests and combat sports matches which shall be referred to as mandatory rest
7 
period. The duration of the mandatory rest period shall be determined by the
8 
Commission
9 
Sec. 14. Emergency Medical Services. 
-  A professional boxing and combat
10 
sports match may be held only if:
11 
(a) A licensed practicing physician, whose services are paid by the promoter and
12 
duly registered with the Commission, is continuously present at the ringside of
13 
the professional boxing and combat sports match;
14 
(b) Ambulance services, including oxygen tanks and other medical personnel
15 
equipped with appropriate resuscitation equipment, are continuously present
16 
within the immediate vicinity of the ring; and
17 
(c) A tertiary hospital is near the vicinity of the event: Provided, That a
18 
memorandum of agreement shall be executed between the promoter of the
19 
professional boxing and combat sports match and the hospital to ensure that
20 
the injured boxers and combatants shall be attended to in their facility with
21 
dispatch.
22 
The absence of any of the aforementioned requirements shall be a cause for
23 
the cancellation of the permit to hold the professional boxing and combat sports
24 
match.
25 
Sec. 15. Social Pension and Health Care Benefits. — All professional boxers and
26 
combatants shall be enrolled in the Social Security System (SS), National Health
27 
Insurance Program — Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the
28 
Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG TBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits
29 
in accordance with the pertinent provisions of law. The SS shall develop and
30 
administer a separate social security program for boxers and combatants. This
31 
program may have different contribution, pension, and other benefit schemes. The
6


1 
premium payments or contributions shall be shouldered by the promoter of the
2 
professional boxers and combatants.
3 
Sec. 16. Boxing and Other Combat Sports Officials. - All the boxing and combat
4 
sports officials involved in any match shall not receive funds or compensation in any
5 
form, directly or indirectly, from the promoter or its agents. Such funds or
6 
compensation shall be coursed through and collected by the Commission for
7 
appropriate disbursement.
8 
Sec. 17. Alternative Livelihood Programs for Retired and/or injured Professional
9 
Boxers and Combatants. - The Commission, in coordination with various stakeholders
10 
in the boxing and combat sports industry, shall establish an alternative livelihood
11 
training program and referral system.
12 
Sec. 18. Appropriations. - The amount of needed to fund the implementation
13 
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
14 
Sec. 19. Boxers and Combatants Welfare Development Trust Fund. — There
15 
shall be an independent and separate trust fund established under this Act to be
16 
administered by the Commission and exclusively used for the welfare benefits of
17 
professional boxers and combatants. The Commission shall be authorized to receive
18 
grants, donations, or endowments, whether from domestic or foreign sources, for
19 
purposes related to its functions, which shall accrue to the fund; Provided, that in
20 
cases of donations from foreign governments, acceptance thereof shall be subject to
21 
the approval of the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary
22 
of Foreign Affairs.
23 
Sec. 20. Transitory Provision. — Pending the organization of the Commission,
24 
the GAB shall continue to exercise its duties and functions in relation to professional
25 
boxing and combat sports. Such amount under the Boxelzs Welfare Fund under the
26 
GAB shall thereafter be transferred to the Boxers and Combatants Welfare
27 
Development Trust Fund of the Commission and shall form part of the initial
28 
appropriations of the Commission.
29 
Sec. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). — The Commission, in
30 
consultation with the DOH, Department of Education (DEPED), Commission on Higher
31 
Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
32 
Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine


1 
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), PhilHealth, Social Security System
2 
(SSS), and other concerned agencies shall promulgate and issue the implementing
3 
rules and regulations (IRR) of this Act within sixty (60) days upon its approval:
4 
Provided, That failure to promulgate the IRR shall not prevent the implementation of
5 
this Act upon its effectivity.
6 
Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. — Section 7 of Executive Order No. 392, series of
7 
1950, is hereby amended. Any other law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
8 
order, rules or regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this
9 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
10 
Sec. 23. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be held
11 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
12 
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
13 
Sec. 24. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
14 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general
15 
circulation
16
Approved,