‘Sapat na ang GAB’ — Mitra

DAVAO CITY – Hindi makatutulong, bagkus makagugulo pa sa kasalukuyang set-up ang plano ni Sen. Manny Pacquiao na magbuo ng Philippine Boxing Commission.

Ayon kay Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Abraham ‘Baham’ Mitra, na ang pagkukulang sa mga pro athletes sa nakalipas na taon ay hindi dahil sa kawalan ng aksiyon ng ahensiya bagkus ang kakulangan sa determinasyon ng ilang opisyal.

“Indeed, it’s leadership and good governance that will ultimately give answers to the current issues in boxing,” pahayag ni Mitra sa boxing stakeholders sa Mindanao sa isinagawang dialogue ng GAB kamakailan sa Davao City.

“I am grateful that GAB’s efforts on improving the boxing profession under my leadership is being recognized, and we would like to institutionalize these initiatives (plus more changes to come) by lobbying to Congress on the fast passage of the bill on strengthening GAB authored by Reps Rodel Batocabe and Winnie Castelo,” sambit ni Mitra, dating Congressman at Governor ng Puerto Princesa City at Palawan.

Ngunit, inamin ni Mitra na ang kasalukuyang Senate Bill (strengthening GAB) ay napapanahon at tiyak na makatutulong sa pangangalaga sa mga pro athletes, higit sa mga boxer na siyang tunay na inaaalala ni Pacman.

“The bill also ensures that even if the leadership changes, the law is in place to protect our professional players (not only in boxing but also in other sports under GAB’s jurisdiction),” aniya.

“The fear of weak leadership after my term can also be a problem of the PBC if created. There’s no assurance of quality leadership in every institution. Thus, the move to strengthen GAB thru legislation instead of creating a PBC, to my mind, is more sound,” sambit ni Mitra.

Naghain si Pacquiao sa Senado ng Senate Bill No. 1306 na naglalayon na magbuo ng PBC na bibigyan ng taunang pondo na P150 milyon.

Magmumula ang pondo ng PBC sa remittance ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

“But on record sa committee hearing, Pagcor said they don’t have money for it and also PCSO under their charter can only give funds for charity,” pahayag ni Mitra.

Ayon kay Mitra, sa kasalukuyan ang GAB ang mayroon lamang budget na P80 milyon.

“For the longest time, ngayon lang naging P100 million pag pasok ko,” aniya.

Umaasa si Mitra na mapagbigyan ang kanilang kahilingan na dagdagan ang budget ng GAB sa halip na magtayo ng bagong ahensiya na kaparehas lamang ng gawain at responsibilidad ng pro sports agency.

“I’m sure the bill will be approved because Sen. Pacquiao has the numbers. I’m a bit sad that it will happen during my time with GAB because I think we can do a lot more for boxing given the opportunity,” saad ni Mitra.