Citing his "dissatisfaction" with the performance of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero has sought the creation of a dedicated agency that would oversee the development of sports in the country.
Romero filed in the ongoing 19th Congress House Bill (HB) No.335, or the proposed Department of Sports Act of 2022.
The main feature of the bill is the creation of the Department of Sports (DOS), which it described as a "Cabinet-level entity that would lead the implementation of policies on the promotion and development of the country’s sports and health fitness programs".
Romero, a former deputy speaker, said that the PSC seems to “fail” in living up to its mandate of providing leadership, formulating policies, and setting the development of sports, particularly on grassroots participation.
He said the PSC also came up short in encouraging wide participation among private and government sectors in amateur sports promotion and development, as well as in supplementing government appropriations for the progress and growth of sports in the country.
Romero said the DOS would be responsible for promulgating policies that would help the country improve its performance in international competition.
The DOS would also be tasked to find solutions to the problems besetting Philippine sports, including the lack of comprehensive national sports programs, the need to enhance the partnership with various sectors involved in sports, obsolete training methods, and lack of modern and high-quality training facilities, equipment and sports venues.
“The seeming deterioration of Philippine sports must be addressed, for there was a time that our athletes were considered serious contenders in any sporting events we participated in, but unfortunately, those times had passed,” Romero said.