MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved on third and final reading yesterday a bill seeking to establish the Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission to “promote the safety and welfare” of Filipino boxers and combat sports athletes. Senate Bill 1306 or the “Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission Act of 2018,” authored and sponsored by Sen. Manny Pacquiao was approved with 20 affirmative votes, no negative vote and zero abstention. Under the bill, professional boxers and combatants will be enrolled in the Social Security System (SSS), National Health Insurance Program-Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG). Pacquiao said the bill would require physical and medical examinations, as well as emergency medical services, in all professional boxing and combat sports matches. He said the bill would also mandate alternative livelihood programs for retired or injured boxers and combatants.

Source: Philippine Star September 10, 2018 15:37 UTC