PSC ensures ‘full implementation’ of national athletes benefit law

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez has assured that national athletes and coaches would soon fully enjoy the benefits granted by the government.

“We know this is long overdue, but rest assured we are doing what we can, coordinating with the concerned government agencies to effect its full implementation,” said Ramirez.

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Besides the cash incentives, Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act also provides discounts for the purchases that athletes and coaches make.

According to Ramirez, the PSC is now awaiting the issuance of a revenue regulation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue on the final implementation of RA 10699 Sections 4 and 5.

“We hope for the full implementation by the first quarter of 2020, so our athletes could swiftly avail of the benefits,” said Ramirez.

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Filipino wushu star Agatha Wong has been pushing for the strict implementation of the 20-percent discount for national athletes and coaches under Section 4.

The 20-percent discount is applicable in all transportation services, hotels, restaurants, recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment throughout the country.

Wong, a double-gold medalist in the recent 30th Southeast Asian Games, said she has to explain to the managers that this kind of benefits actually exist.

The benefits and privileges also apply in admission fees charged by theaters, movie houses and concert halls and other places of culture, leisure and amusement as well as free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals.

Section 5 of RA 10699 covers scholarship benefits for national athletes who wins in a regular major international sports competition.

They will be entitled to a scholarship in the form of full tuition fees from state colleges or universities for a college or university degree.

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