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..
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