Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Facebook)

The measure that seeks to reserve a place for departed Philippine sports heroes at the hallowed Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City has been approved on second reading at the House of Representatives.

Principally authored by Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, House Bill (HB) No.11229 was passed via simple voice vote ("ayes" vs. "nayes") during plenary session Monday afternoon, Jan. 27.

The 300-plus strong House has a chance to pass the bill on third and final reading next week, or before lawmakers go on recess. 

The measure, titled "An Act allowing the interment of Filipino sports heroes at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani," was filed only last Dec. 17. It was initially referred to the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development.

Under the proposed statute, interment at the LNMB--which means Heroes' Cemetery--is seen as a recognition for the sports personalities' dedication and sacrifices in bringing honor to the country, as well as for serving as an inspiration to others.

"Sports heroes" include Filipino national athletes, both amateur and professional; including those with disabilities, great character, intregity, and was able to bring honor to the country by winning in the Olympics or Paralympics Games, World Championship and any professional sports competition held by international governing bodies and recognized by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

It also covers Filipino athletes, coaches or trainers who are part of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

A screening committee will be formed to determine the eligibility of the sports personality and issue a certification to allow his or her interment at LNMB.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sets the rules on who can be interred at the LNMB. These are the following:

Medal of Valor awardees; Commanders-in-chief, AFP; Presidents of the Philippines; Vice Presidents of the Philippines; The secretaries of National Defense; AFP Chiefs of Staff; Former Presidents, Vice Presidents, secretaries of National Defense, widows of former Presidents and Chiefs of Staff; General/Flag Officers; and Active and retired military personnel of the AFP.

Also allowed burial at the LNMB are Justices of the Supreme Court (either Chief or Associate Justice); Justices of the Court of Appeals; Senators and Senate President; Former AFP members who laterally entered/joined the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Veterans of the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the First and Second World Wars, as well as recognized guerrillas.

Government dignitaries, statesmen, national artists and other deceased persons whose interment has been approved by the commander-in-chief, Congress or the secretary of National Defense; and National Artists and National Scientists of the Philippines are have the same benefit.