House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday said lawmakers will study the possibility of enhancing and increasing government benefits to medalists in the Olympics, including granting them monthly pensions.
The leader of the 308-strong House of Representatives said he had asked members of the concerned committees to initiate discussions on passing a bill that would institutionalize the grant of more benefits, financial or otherwise, to Filipino Olympic medalists.
“The honor that Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, and our Olympians brought to our country and the Filipino people will never be repaid, but we can recognize their success by providing benefits from the government,” Romualdez said in Filipino.
“Giving a lifetime pension to all Filipino Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists who brought honor to our country is one of them. It starts at the age of 40 or when they retire from sports,” he added.
Similarly, the Speaker said he has directed the appropriate committee to study amendments to Republic Act 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”
