Olympian Nesthy Petecio (center) is handed her financial assistance by Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno. (Speaker's Office)

It was Nesthy Petecio and other Paris Olympics-bound Filipino boxers' turn to get financial assistance from House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday, June 10. 

The Office of the Speaker continued its gesture of providing cash aid to the Filipino Olympians led by Petecio. Petecio, a featherweight, brought home an Olympic silver medal during the 2020 Tokyo, Japan games. 

Aside from Petecio, fellow boxers Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas also received an undisclosed amount from Romualdez's office. 

Fencer Samantha Kyle Lim Catantan was also granted cash aid. 

Representing Romualdez during the turnover rites at the House of Representatives was Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st district Rep. Roberto Puno. 

Puno is the incumbent president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), the governing body for amateur boxing in the country. 

“As we look forward to the Paris Olympics, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for our Filipino athletes who exemplify the spirit of excellence and resilience,” Romualdez said in his message to the Pinoy Olympians. 

“This financial support is more than just a means to ensure you have the necessary resources to compete in Paris; it is a solemn affirmation that the House of Representatives and the entire nation are rooting for you in your quest to bring honor and glory for our country,” he said. 

Last May 30, the Office of the Speaker also provided financial assistance to two Paris-bound Filipino athletes, namely gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Carlos Edriel Yulo. 

A week earlier, the first batch of Olympians received similar financial assistance from Speaker Romualdez himself. They were weightlifters John Ceniza, Eireen Ando, and Vanessa Sarno, as well as rower Joanie Delgaco. 

All the Filipino athletes who have qualified to represent the Philippines in the Paris Olympics stand to receive financial support from the Office of the Speaker.