Romero readies Sports department bill

A STREAMLINED national sports program may be set in place as party-list Rep. Mikee Romero takes the first step to create his proposed Department of Sports.

Romero of 1Pacman party-list is set to file House Bill No. 287, which pushes for the creation of a sports department to focus on grassroots development and give direction to the national program.

“Ever since Mansueto Velasco won a silver medal in boxing during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the Philippines has not won a single medal in the succeeding editions,” Romero said in a press statement. “Philippine sports seems to have stagnated.”

Romero said the Philippine Sports Commission has failed to address the needs of the athletes and coaches, resulting in poor performances in international competitions.

Even in regional tournaments like the biennial Southeast Asian Games, Romero said our national athletes have been left behind.

The Philippines finished sixth in the 2007 Thailand, 2009 Laos and 2013 Burma (Myanmar) SEA Games and even dropped to seventh in the 2011 Palembang edition.

Romero said a sports department can address various issues, including the constant lack of financial support for the athletes and coaches. Jasmine W. Payo