Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino offered gratitude to President Duterte for approving the Bayanihan Act 2, which included a provision of allocating P180 million for the allowances of national athletes and coaches.
He said the law is already in the hands of the Department of Budget and Management, which will ask the Philippine Sports Commission to submit all requirements for the release of the budget.
The allocation will retrieve the pays cuts from the monthly allowances of around 1,700 athletes and coaches. The PSC decided to impose belt-tightening measures a few months back due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
It also assured that allowances will be given in full until December.
Apart from this, the budget will also cover an additional P5,000 financial assistance.
“Sana malaking tulong ito sa atleta natin na nagbigay ng karangalan satin especially noong SEAG at ito pang mga darating. Para hindi rin sila ma-down morally,” Tolentino said.