SEAG medallists to get P22M windfall

Filipino medallists in the just-concluded 23rd Southeast Asian Games won’t have to wait any longer before they get their cash incentives as provided by government through Republic Act 9064.

The cash incentives, amounting almost P22 million, will be released before Christmas day, according to Philippine Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez.

"Based on history, cash incentives have always been released after December. Now with the euphoria (following the SEAG success), we will try to make sure they are released before Christmas," said Ramirez.

Under RA 9064, a gold medal in the SEA Games is worth P100,000, silver P50,000 and bronze P10,000. A bigger package is provided for medallists in the Asian Games or the Olympics.

The Philippines won 113 gold medals in the recent SEA Games and emerged overall champion for the first time since it joined the event in 1977. It also won 86 silver and 92 bronze medals.

Ramirez has already signed the incentive package, which is close to P22 million and is set to present it to chairman Efraim Genuino of the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. or Pagcor.

"As the law requires, we have to submit the approved amount to Pagcor. And if the chairman says it will be released next week then we will announce it," added the PSC chief.

The cash incentives are entirely different from the all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as promised by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to all gold medallists in individual or team events.

Swimmer Miguel Molina stands to receive the biggest incentive of P350,000 for winning three gold medals and a silver.

Diver Sheila Mae Perez, billiards player Alex Pagulayan and rower Benjie Tolentino also won three gold medals each but will receive less since part of their victories came in doubles or team events. Perez will receive P250,000, Pagulayan P225,000 and Tolentino P200,000.

Coaches will also have their own share of incentives as provided under the law.

Ramirez, however, clarified that some adjustments were made as far as team events are concerned.