The Senate has conferred the Senate Medal of Excellence each to two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo, and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
The honor was conferred during the Senate’s plenary session on Monday, August 19. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero led the senators in conferring the Upper Chamber’s highest medal of recognition.
The Senate Medal of Excellence is automatically given to deserving Filipinos, such as Olympic medalists, for setting the “highest standards of excellence, nationalism, and virtue that their fellow countrymen can aspire for.”
Aside from the recognition, Yulo also received P3 million from the Senate. Petecio and Villegas received P1 million each.
At the same time, Escudero presented to the three athletes, 10 more athletes, and the entire Philippine contingent to the 2024 Paris Olympics resolutions congratulating them for bringing pride and honor to the country.
“It is an expression of gratitude on behalf of the nation for the honor that such outstanding and distinguished achievements have brought to the country,” Escudero said.
“With immense pride, the Filipino people commend you for etching the Philippine flag in the annals of history on the grandest stage of sports. Your success has not only brought honor to our nation but has also cemented the Philippines’s position as the top-performing Southeast Asian country since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” the Senate leader added.
The senators also honored Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya of Japan who was present during Monday’s plenary session. Japan played a huge role in honing Yulo’s gymnastic skills.
The Senate also approved the resolution honoring Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for his “strong leadership” and ushering this period of historic achievements for Filipino athletes in the international arena. Tolentino was present when the Senate adopted the resolution.