Had it not been for the Olympic golds won by the Philippines in France, legislators would continue to ignore funding sports, especially amateur sports competitions and athletes.
In a statement, Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Partylist Representative Bernadette Herrera suggested that the Philippine Sports Commission budget for amateur sports should be higher at least P2 billion, while the Paris Olympic euphoria is still high.
"Ngayon na ang tamang panahon para umusad ang mga matagal nang nakabinbing mga panukalang batas tungkol sa sports. Panahon din upang bigyan ng sapat na suporta ang maraming iba pang atleta na hindi pa nananalo ng medalya sa international competitions dahil kapos na kapos ang pondo kahit para man lang sa kanilang araw-araw na gastusin," she said in a press conference.
Hernandez also urged her colleagues to focus on House Bill No. 8468 (Philippine National Games Act), as well as amendments to the Philippine Sports Commission Act (House Bill No. 8390) and the Local Sports Program bill (House Bill No. 8495).
"Ngayon pa lang, dapat samantalahin na ng Philippine Sports Commission ang pagkakataon, habang nagdiriwang pa ang sambayanan sa mga medalyang nakamit na sa Paris Olympics, upang pataasin pa ang basic and meal allowance rates ng mga atletang nasa pangangalaga ng PSC," she stressed.
She suggested that the PSC should push for a higher budget now for an across the board increase for basic and meal allowance rates and those of allowances for vitamins and medicines.
The PSC’s amateur sports development program's proposed budget of only P413 million is too small, the solon also stressed.
"If we really want to win more medals in international competitions, the budget should at least be P2 billion in 2025 and every year after that, aside from the increases in the basic and meal allowances," Hernandez said.
"There is no request for capital outlays in the proposed PSC 2025 budget. There should be, especially if the PSC wants the Philippine National Games to be more successful. Speak now. Do not wait for the next Olympics," she added.
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