House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading on Monday night, Feb. 3 the measure that seeks to reserve a place for departed Philippine sports heroes at the hallowed Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City.

A total of 196 congressmen voted in favor of House Bill (HB) No.11229, which was principally authored by Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

It was only last Jan. 27 that HB No.11229--titled "An Act allowing the interment of Filipino sports heroes at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani"--was approved on second reading. It was filed only last Dec. 17.

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.