Mitra new GAB chairman

MANILA, Philippines - Former Palawan Gov. Abraham Khalil Mitra has been appointed new chairman of the Games and Amusement Board, replacing Juan Ramon Guanzon.

Mitra, 46, is the youngest son of the late and former Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. from whom he inherited his passion for cockfighting, one of the industries regulated by the GAB.

“We have seen the progressive propagation  of professional boxing, and other professional sports, thanks and gratitude to those who have come before us in this respectable office. We will sustain and move forward as we envision to achieve greater milestones,” said Mitra.

The GAB regulates and supervises professional sports and games like boxing, mixed martial arts, basketball, horse racing, cockfighting and allied activities to combat and prevent the existence and proliferation of illegal bookie joints and other forms of organized illegal gambling connected with all play-for-pay sports and amusement games.

Mitra first served the country as a presidential consultant for Palawan from 1998 until 2000. He became a member of Congress representing the second district of Palawan for three consecutive terms until 2010 and eventually governor of the province.