Lawmakers push ‘Manny Pacquiao Act’

Manny Pacquiao

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.