Senator Bong Go Expresses Distress Over Taekwondo Incident; Calls for Stricter Oversight
April 1, 2024 - Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, released a statement today expressing his deep concern over a viral video showing a 17-year-old taekwondo yellow belter being severely beaten by a heavier male black belter during a practice session.
“The video is deeply distressing,” said Senator Go. “Sparring sessions are meant to develop our athletes’ skills, not to cause injury or, worse, endanger their lives.”
Senator Go emphasized the need for a coach to monitor sparring sessions, especially in contact sports, to prevent mismatches and potential rights violations of minors.
The incident, which occurred in February, has led to police filing charges under Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Senator Go also expects the school involved to address the issue and provide all necessary support to the victim in seeking justice.
As the chair of the committee, Senator Go expressed his determination to prevent such incidents from recurring. He mentioned the possibility of calling for an investigation to consider amendments to existing laws to impose stricter penalties for such occurrences.
“Sports play a vital role in nation-building and shaping the youth’s character and discipline,” Senator Go concluded. “Let us not allow such incidents to tarnish our efforts to encourage young people to engage in sports, which teach camaraderie and sportsmanship, and to lead them away from drugs towards a fit and healthy lifestyle.”