Equal Financial Incentives Proposed for Olympic and Paralympic Medalists

MANILA – In response to recent successes of Filipino athletes in the Paris Olympics and the upcoming Paralympics, a legislative initiative is underway to ensure equal cash incentives for all national athletes, regardless of physical ability. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the need for parity in financial rewards, following a stark contrast in current practices.

According to Philippines News Agency, achievements by differently-abled athletes at international levels should be recognized and rewarded similarly to those of Olympic athletes.

The current legislation, Republic Act No. 10699, specifies that Olympic medalists receive substantially higher incentives compared to their Paralympic counterparts. For instance, a gold medal in the Olympics garners PHP10 million, while a gold medal in the Paralympics earns only PHP5 million. Estrada’s proposal aims to amend this discrepancy, advocating that all athletes who reach international competition stages, and perform exceptionally, deserve equal acknowledgment.

Notable Filipino athletes at this year’s Olympics included double gymnastics gold medalist Carlos Yulo and boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, who received incentives of PHP20 million and PHP2 million, respectively. The Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will feature athletes like Jerrold Pete Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, who currently stand to receive half the reward of their Olympic counterparts for similar achievements.

In the previous Congress, Estrada filed a bill targeting this inequality, underscoring that equal treatment in sports can foster excellence and inspire the nation. As the discussion unfolds, stakeholders are urged to consider the broader implications of such disparities and the message they send about societal values regarding equality and recognition.