The Games and Amusement Board has clarified it has distributed all the financial assistance from a Thai philanthropist meant for former world boxing champions.
In its Facebook post, GAB said it was saddened by circulating reports that no financial aid reached the Filipino boxers coming from the $16,500 given by philanthropist Naris Singwangcha.
The aid, which started in June 2018, was meant to help out 20 former world champions like Dodie Boy Penalosa, Luisito Espinosa, and Rolando Navarette.
“Nililinaw po ng GAB na hindi po totoong hindi binibigay o walang natanggap ang ating mga boksingero mula sa sinasabing tulong pinansiyal mula kay Mr. Singwangcha, kagaya ng lumabas sa isang pahayagan,” it stated.
GAB said the aid was given in tranches, which is P3,000 per month, until September 2020 only.
However, before the funds ran out, the GAB board wrote to Singwangcha if he could give additional assistance but there was no response.
The board again prepared a comprehensive report and a letter to Singwangcha in February about the distribution of the funds and if he could provide additional assistance.
On March 3, Singwangcha replied through Highland Boxing gym promoter and manager Brico Santig and said he could not continue with the financial assistance due to the pandemic but would give the last tranche for nine months to its beneficiaries.
“Sa isinasaad ng huli niyang sulat, ang huling tulong pinansyal ay ipapadala ni Mr. Singwangcha. Ngunit magpasa-hanggang ngayon ay walang natatanggap ang GAB. Wala na pong pondong hawak ang GAB mula kay Mr. Singwangcha, kaya wala pong maibibigay sa ating mga world boxing champions,” it stated.
GAB said the assistance was worked out through the leadership of Chairman Baham Mitra, Commissioners Ed Trinidad, and Mar Masanguid as well as Santig through a memorandum of agreement with the benefactor.
“Hindi po interesado ang sinuman sa GAB sa pondong pinapadala ni Mr. Singwangcha at kung meron mang pondo ay binibigay ito sa ating mga kampiyon. Inuulit po namin na ang buong GAB at ang pamunuan nito ay walang dahilan para pag-interesan ang pondong dapat ay para sa ating mga kampiyon. Makakaasa po kayo dito,” it added. – Ofelia C. Empian
