Sen. Manny Paquiao was clearly not adept in plenary argumentation and debate.
He was visibly upset by the interpellation of LP Sen. Franklin Drilon who quizzed him on his proposed creation of the Philippine Boxing Commission.
Many netizens observed and suggested that the Pambansang Kamao should have instead spoken in Tagalog and not English in his sponsorship speech.
But, regardless of his language handicap, Pacquiao’s intentions are clear: to focus positive government efforts on the plight of boxers who are enduring exploitation in the hands of unscrupulous people.
He specifically mentioned the Games and Amusements Board, the regulatory government agency in charge of professional sports.
The disquieting truth is that the good senator from Sarangani accurately pinpointed where the problem lies which, for decades, has been completely ignored by the authorities, including our lawmakers.
So, in view of the exasperating GAB situation, the idea of creating a separate boxing body to focus mainly on boxers’ plight moved Pacquiao to submit his proposal.
Unfortunately, the 8-division world boxing champ was not properly briefed by his office staff and subordinates who were not sports-oriented; that there was need to abolish the GAB first before his proposed bill can be tackled.
I know of many shenanigans happening inside the GAB not only in boxing but also in other fronts. This is from way, way back.
Now that Pacquiao is zeroing in on these, I am all for it, including replacing the GAB with a new government authority that would cover all professional games and sports, including horse racing and cockfighting.
If, and when, the GAB is abolished, Pacquiao can then introduce the creation of specialized divisions in the new agency fully equipped with legislated functions and responsibilities that will uplift the Filipino ring gladiators’ situation.
We know where Manny is coming from. We know that many boxers are either unlettered or ignorant and this sad circumstance leads to their exploitation.
Their tales of woe will make you cry.
Boxing, being a cruel sport where the protagonists need to hurt and render helpless their foes, has blessed some talented boxers’ whose families lived in penury before.
However, there are more boxers today who are suffering because of physical injuries which Pacquiao, a born-again Christian, wants the government to address properly. Over the years, the GAB has not been that diligent, to say the least.
Unable to use their fists to gain glory, fame and fortune, these injured fighters have become victims of the sport they love and are now left on their own.
Pacquiao’s legendary achievements is in a very big way instilling hope and inspiration in many a boxing aspirant’s heart, including among martial arts fighters elsewhere.
I am encouraging the good senator, whose ring exploits I have covered for many years, to move unrelentingly on and accomplish his mission.
For I have noted that many senators before him assumed chairmanship of the games and sports committee but nothing productive happened during their respective stints.
Get rid of the evils whose tribes have increased.
Abolish the GAB! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
