Mikee pushes for athletes benefits

MANILA, Philippines - Representative Mikee Romero (1Pacman Partylist) has vowed to go around and meet with the athletes and coaches even as he assured them of his support regarding the granting of the benefits due them under Republic Act. 10699.

“I just want to make sure that they are getting what are due to them because I heard that some of the benefits have yet to be implemented fully,” said Romero a couple of hours before he took his oath as one of the new members of the House of Representatives Wednesday.

Romero said national athletes and coaches should be treated with high regard for their sacrifices to give honor to the country.

“They put the country in the sporting map because of the sacrifices they made so it’s just natural that we treat them very well,” said Romero. “Our athletes are our national treasures.”

R.A. 10699 is an act expanding the coverage of incentives granted to national athletes and coaches and appropriating funds thereof.

While Romero is fully aware that athletes who made it to the podium in international events like SEA Games and Asian Games get their monetary rewards, he has received reports that some benefits have yet to be fully implemented, including getting affordable housing loans.

Under RA 10699, national athletes should be prioritized in national housing programs, affordable “pabahay” loans and other housing opportunities subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the National Housing Authority (NHA) or the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF).

Romero said they are also entitled to existing livelihood programs being undertaken by various government agencies.

Athletes are also entitled to 20 percent discount from all establishments like transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment.

They are also entitled to a 20 percent discount on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals, and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement.

“For them to avail themselves of these benefits, they have to consult officials of the Philippine Sports Commission,” said Romero. “They have to know their benefits as national athletes and coaches.”