The Philippines’ House of Representatives is preparing cash incentives for Filipino athletes who secured podium finishes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
House Deputy Secretary-General Sofonias Gabunada announced the incentives during an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo. “Naghanda ang House of Reps ng incentives para sa mga medalist. For the gold, we have P3 Million, silver P2 million, and for the bronze P1 million. Galing ito sa pondo ng House of Representatives,” he stated.
Gabunada mentioned he would seek clarification from the House leadership on whether the incentives will be based on the number of medals or the medalist’s total achievements. This follows gymnast Carlos Yulo’s gold medals in both the men’s floor exercise and men’s vault at the ongoing Olympics.
“Kailangan namin klaruhin. Tatanungunin natin ang House speaker kung ano ba ang basehan ng incentives. Is it the medals or the medalist,” he added.
Gabunada also emphasized that the House incentives are separate from those mandated by Republic Act 10699, which provides P10 million for gold medalists, P5 million for silver, and P2 million for bronze in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez praised Yulo, calling him a “once-in-a-century Filipino athlete” and lauded his double gold victory. “Caloy’s achievements have not only brought glory to the Philippines but have also highlighted the potential of our athletes to excel in the international arena,” Romualdez said.
He assured continued support and investment in sports programs to develop more world-class athletes like Yulo. Additionally, Yulo will receive extra cash incentives from a fundraising campaign initiated by the Speaker among his colleagues in the chamber and will be conferred a congressional medal for his exceptional contributions to Philippine sports.