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:
Fundora Dominates Tszyu: "Towering Inferno" Retains Title in Strategic Masterclass
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025PITBULL CRUZ DOMINATES OMAR SALCEDO TO WIN WBC 140 LB INTERIM TITLE
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Figueroa Claims Hard-Fought Decision in Grueling War Against Gonzalez
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025MAGSAYO, MARCIAL REGISTER WINS IN LAS VEGAS
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs Barrios: Factors of consequence
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025How to Watch Pacquiao vs Barrios in the Philippines
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Final Hours Tick Down: Pacquiao and Barrios Ready for Destiny in Las Vegas
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Philippines Sweeps Kyrgyzstan, Secures Return to Davis Cup Group III
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Blu Girls Bounce Back, Blank Hong Kong 12–0 in Four Innings
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Weigh-in Results and Fight Analysis
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Panamanian Star Nataly Delgado wins WBA super flyweight champinship
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Marred by Oversaturated Pay-Per-View Market
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Weights from Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
Sat, 19 Jul 2025