Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong is urging the Congress to swiftly approve his measure freeing  Filipino boxing champions like Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao from the clutches of the Bureau of Internal Revenue by making their fight prizes and other monetary benefits tax-free.

House Bill 5234, titled the “Filipino Boxers’ Benefits and Protection Act” is in line “with the constitutional provision pertaining to the promotion of sports and aims to enable Filipino boxers enjoy their winnings by making these tax-exempt,” Ong said of his measure.

“The tax exemption is an incentive that must be given and enjoyed by our boxers, just like American boxers,” the National Unity Party (NUP) lawmaker added.

Under the bill, all Filipino boxers are exempted from paying taxes out of the income derived from prizes and money benefits from winnings in boxing competitions.

Earnings from commercial advertisements or product endorsements, however, are not tax-free, Ong said.

HB 5234 assigns the BIR to promulgate the rules and regulation for the effective implementation of the measure once it is enacted into law.

Ong pointed out that boxers only earn income on a per fight basis, even while they bring honor and pride to the country.

“As distinguished from other taxpayers, Filipino boxers only enjoy the prize of their winnings for a limited period of time. Hence, the remainder of their income from winnings after taxes is what is left for a lifetime support for the boxer and his family,” he said.

Ong’s measure is now pending before the House ways and means  committee.