Medalists’ incentives to double under new scheme

With a stroke of President Aquino’s pen, medal winners in international competitions can get at least twice the cash incentives they’ve been getting from the government.

Philippine Sports Commission executive director Guillermo Iroy said Monday they’re awaiting the approval of Malacañang to enact the new incentives scheme for athletes, coaches and differently-abled athletes into law.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bill amending and expanding Republic Act 9064, known as the Sports Incentives Act of 2001.

“We’ve been closely coordinating with Congress for the signing of the amendment of the incentives law,” said Iroy, adding they’re expecting Aquino’s imprimatur on the new bonus scheme not later than Nov. 16.

Sen. Sonny Angara, the chief proponent of the bill, said athletes with disabilities have been included in the grant of benefits and incentives for winning medals in international meets, such as the Asean Para Games, Asian Para Games and the Paralympics.

Aquino’s approval will allow gold medalists in the Olympics to earn P10 million, silver winners P5 million and bronze performers P2 million.

Gold-winning athletes in the Asian Games stand to get P2 million, silver medalists P1 million and bronze medalists P400,000. For the Southeast Asian Games, a gold is worth P300,000, silver P150,000 and bronze P60,000. Every national athlete, coach and trainer can also avail of a 20-percent discount on transportation, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants, and purchase of medicine and sports equipment.

Winning national athletes will also be entitled to scholarship benefits.