Parity in cash incentives for Paralympic, Olympic athletes sought

MANILA – The cash incentives for national athletes who win medals in international competitions must be equal, including for differently-abled athletes.

Following the achievements of Filipino athletes in the recent Paris Olympics and with six more set to see action in the Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 Paralympics, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday said making it to international competitions means being at par with the best in the world.

"Hindi malayo, lalo na kung mabibigyan ng tamang kasanayan, na magbigay din ng karangalan ang mga atletang may kapansanan na lumalahok sa international competitions (It is possible, especially if given the right skills, that athletes with disabilities who participate in international competitions can also bring us honor)," Estrada said.

"At kung mangyayari ito, karapat-dapat lamang na suklian natin ng kaukulang pagpupugay at pagbibigay ng insentibo ang mga atletang may kapansanan na lumahok sa mga (And if this happens, we should pay tribute and give incentives to disabled athletes who participate in the) international paralympic games," he added.

In the previous Congress, Estrada filed a bill to address the discrepancy in financial benefits between Olympic and Paralympic athletes, recognizing their shared accomplishments and the inspiration they bring to the Filipino people.

Estrada emphasized the principle of equality before the law and the importance of treating everyone equally in promoting sports excellence.

Under Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, Olympian who will bring home gold, silver and bronze medals will receive incentives of P10 million, P5 million, and P2 million, respectively.

In contrast, Paralympians are entitled to just half.

Double gymnastics gold medalist Carlos Yulo will receive the law-mandated P20 million while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio will get P2 million each.

This year's Paralympians are Jerrold Pete Mangliwan (wheelchair racing), Cendy Asusano (para javelin throw), Allain Keanu Ganapin (taekwondo), Agustina Bantiloc (archery), and Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom (swimming). (PNA)