MANILA – The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) reaffirmed its support to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) amid the possible creation of a new sports commission specifically catering combat sports.
"After careful reconsideration of the proposed [Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission Act of 2018], the Muaythai Association of the Philippines expresses its continuous support to the Games and Amusements Board as the only governing body for professional sports in the country," MAP said on Monday.
The bill, also known as Senate Bill 1306, was penned by eight-division world boxing champion Senator Manny Pacquiao and got a unanimous affirmative vote from the Senate in its third reading on Sept. 10, 2018.
The bill, once it becomes a law, will create a new sports body that will regulate professional fight sports locally.
However, MAP said the proposed Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission (PBCSC) will be "redundant in its mandate with GAB and will overlap with the existing powers, duties, and functions performed by GAB, thus deeming it irrelevant and unnecessary."
"MAP sees no benefit in the proposed commission," the statement added.
While it still considers itself as "amateur," MAP has been allowing some of its athletes to compete in the professional level.
"We secure the necessary licenses from GAB, and they provide us with adequate support to ensure the protection of our athletes," MAP further said.
For his part, GAB chairman Baham Mitra believes there is no need for the PBCSC at this moment.
"We at GAB feel that we have already improved our services and applied the many advices that the good senator has instructed us to do," Mitra said, citing the commendations his office got from the World Boxing Council and the Commission on Audit.
Despite already getting the Senate nod, the PBCSC bill has been stalled ever since. (PNA)
