Romero pushes athletes’ benefits

UNDERSCORING the importance of looking after the welfare of national athletes, 1Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero Thursday vowed to make an effort to ensure the full implementation of Republic Act 10699 or the Athletes Incentives Act.

Romero said he will make the rounds with national athletes “to make sure that they are getting what are due them because I heard that some of the benefits have yet to be implemented fully.”

Saying that athletes should be treated with high regard, Romero said the Nationals deserve all the support they can get since they represent the country.

“They put the country in the sporting map because of the sacrifices they made, so it’s just natural that we treat them very well,” said Romero before he was sworn in as the newest member of the House of Representatives. “Our athletes are our national treasures.”

Republic Act 10699 expands the coverage of incentives granted to national athletes and coaches and appropriates funds for them.

Romero said many benefits, including housing loans, have not been fully implemented.

The sportsman-businessman noted that athletes stand to benefit from housing opportunities subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the National Housing Authority or the Home Development Mutual Fund.

National athletes, Romero added, are also entitled to 20-percent discount in all establishments like transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment.

“For them to avail themselves of these benefits, they have to consult the Philippine Sports Commission,” said Romero.  Cedelf P. Tupas