Senator Manny Pacquiao was in hot waters after his proposal to create a Philippine Boxing and Combat Sports Commission went under the scrutiny of the Senate.
Pacquiao disclosed that setting up the new commission would entail P150 million.
Senator Pia Cayetano asked him during a senate interpellation: “In this time of COVID, is that the best use of PHP150 million?”
“I’m asking his honor to reconsider what we can do with PHP150 million in this time of COVID. Vaccinations, safety protocols to allow children to go schools, ayuda. Yes, I love the athletes… but I’d like that P150 million to be put to good use,” Cayetano added.
The lady senator also said that the requested budget is much bigger than the budget of the Games and Amusement Board.
Pacquiao argued that the GAB has been handling too many sports and boxing needs to have a sole commission to address its concerns.
Pacquiao also lamented that many of his fellow boxers retired without getting any pension. Others died without getting any benefits.
“Yang PHP150 million , approximately more or less, pag-establish pa lang ng opisina. But after that, pagkatapos mag establish, hindi naman ganoong kalaki,” Pacquiao said.
The interpellation was suspended to give Pacquiao more time to formulate his answers.
