Lawmakers are pushing a bill urging the government to bankroll the construction of boxing gyms all over the country to train indigent Filipinos to excel in the sports and in the process lift them out of poverty just like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. ALE party-list Representative Catalina Bagasina has filed House Bill No. 5505 seeking the establishment of boxing gyms in every town in the country and appropriating funds for them. Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino called the proposed bill the “Manny Pacquiao Act” as it aims to provide an opportunity for young Filipinos to hone their skills in boxing which was the key to the Saranggani legislator’s rise from being a pan de sal vendor in General Santos City to one of the world’s richest athletes. Pacquiao, considered the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer, is now the richest congressman due to his winnings from his boxing bouts and his share from cable pay-for-view proceeds. The bill has been endorsed for deliberation in the House committee on youth and sports. Palatino said he supports the bill because it would also prevent the youth from engaging in vices like drugs and alcohol. Source:- http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/160543/lawmakers-push-‘manny-pacquiao-act’
For me, this is nowhere near as crazy as some might think. I understand that here in UK boxing has become somewhat 'political incorrect'. But when you consider the benefits of being a member of a boxing club, the training, the motivation, the health benefits and the total discipline involved, it's easy to see how it can help those who would otherwise head down an anti-social path. IMO there's too much emphasis on political correctness. Where can our young people satisfy their thirst for risk, competition and excitement. Please don't suggest the computer generated virtual-reality world of games. Virtual worlds fail to link real life consequences to actions and choices. Now, boxing actually meest all the above needs. You certainly understand risk, and you soon learn about the consequences. These days it's all highly supervised by qualified professionals in the appropriate environment and with all the legal safety checks in place. Surely that's got be better than the usual crap on many of our streets, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. I'm convinced it can be a help where other routes for appropriate social integration cannot reach or penetrate. Those already deeply involved with boxing, like Manny Pacquiao, are convinced that boxing prevents the typical teenage behaviour of trying to prove themselves by bravado Boxing is available for all. It's now considered gender-nuetral. Just my thoughts. What are yours?
It's typical Filipino political hokum. There is already a law - has been there for years - requiring every barangay to erect a basketball court. Is boxing magically better than basketball for keeping the Yoof of Today off the streets and out of trouble?
Make it an official high-school sport instead. Then the government can help fund it. You spend less money but then at the same time still get the benefits. @Methersgate I agree. The proposed funding for that could go into other more important instead. Like livehood projects, build roads or infrastructure or finally pass that condoms around to keep HIV and population down.
