LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Rep. Eric Yap is pushing for the passage of a bill granting retirement, health care and death benefits to professional Filipino athletes who won in various international competitions or in other equally prestigious international games that brought honor and pride to the country.
In filing House Bill (HB) 5160, Yap stated that sports has been an inherent part of the Filipino culture and through the years, sporting events conciliates differences and emboldens dialogue, bringing individuals and communities together.
“In the province of Benguet, we value our athletes as icons and inspiration for us to be at our best. Even before they become well-known internationally by their achievements, we have already recognized our very own athletes by their hard work and determination. During competitions, we essentially root for them to successfully overcome the challenges and secure victory in their respective fields,” Yap stressed.
The solon, in his proposed measure cited Team Lakay, a mixed martial arts group based in this capital town whose life motto ‘Champions are not born, they are made,’ has become an adage for aspiring athletes pursuing their lifelong dream of becoming champions in their respective fields.
“Before they excel and garner awards, our athletes make a multitude of sacrifices during their training to be where they are now. Having witnessed how the members of Team Lakay constantly rose above their struggles in the sport, our kakailyan in the province celebrate them as athletic heroes,” Yap added.
Yap quipped that the proposed bill is in recognition of the honor and prestige brought by athletes to our country.
In his proposed bill, Yap is seeking retirement benefits to world champions upon reaching the age of 50 worth P15,000 for individual winner or P10,000 for those who won under team sports.
Health care benefits will also be accorded to professional world champions under PhilHealth and in case of hospitalization, any amount in excess of the PhilHealth benefit shall be shouldered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) under its Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP).
Death benefits amounting to P50,000 will also be given to beneficiaries of the athletes to cover funeral expenses.
Under the proposed measure, the State shall provide retirement, health care and death benefits to professional Filipino athletes who win world championship titles in international professional sports competitions or in other equally prestigious world championship games in both individual and team events in recognition of the glory and honor they have given to the country.
The proposed law mandated the Chairman of the board to include in the board’s program the implementation of the benefits under the said Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.