Why not have a ?GORRES BILL? here in the Philippines?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 08 Feb 2010
There have been heart-warming news reports coming out recently about Filipinos in the U.S. banding together to help Z Gorres pay for his medical bills. Another bit of good news was the plan for a Gorres Bill in Nevada that will increase the insurance coverage of boxers and MMA fighters from $50,000 to $1 million. The bill will ensure that every fighter is well-covered and protected for their hospital expenses.
Boxing aficionados are familiar with the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act and the Professional Boxing Safety Act which are important pieces of legislation that benefited boxers practicing their profession in the United States.
Would it be too much to ask if our lawmakers think of similar bills that will benefit boxers here in the Philippines?
Dozens of our lawmakers and government officials flock to Las Vegas to watch and cheer for Manny Pacquiao. Nothing wrong with that; the powerful and the privileged also have the right to savour a Pacquiao victory just like the underemployed and hungry masses.
But would it be better if the powers that be ? who will be asking for our votes a few months from now ? leave something behind that will help boxing?
Pacquiao will not fight forever. Sooner or later, he will have to pass the torch to another generation of boxers. Pacquiao is also an exception to the exception, not just in terms of his boxing ability but in his financial security. Filipino boxers retire without the benefit of a pension fund.
By the way, would this be a good time to bring up a certain Luisito Espinosa?
There is nothing wrong with a government official posing with a victorious boxer. But it would be better if they can come up with something long term and sustainable that can help boxers who never made it big. Many of these destitute and disabled pugilists once proudly waved our flag when they fought on foreign shores.
We can always do better. Our boxers deserve better. We Filipinos deserve better.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jerwin Ancajas Set for IBF Mandatory Eliminator Against Former World Champ Ryosuke Nishida; Winner Fights Naoya Inoue
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 11 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Local Favorite Bryce Mills Tops First Boxing Card At del Lago Resort & Casino
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: It´s Fightweek Fight: Canelo vs. Crawford
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Casimero comeback next month in Kyrgyzstan?
By Nick Giongco, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Team USA Concludes Day Six of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Andrade, Garras rule Milo marathon in Tagum
Wed, 10 Sep 2025CROCKER-DONOVAN II: INSIDE LOOK AT FIRST FACE-OFF IN BELFAST
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Former Panamanian WBA champ Jorge Lujan hospitalized
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Southern Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025