BY WAYLON GALVEZ
Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero has strongly backed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to give more funding to the country’s campaign in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – both before and during the actual competition – in hopes to finally get that elusive Olympic gold medal.
Romero, who represents 1Pacman Partylist, yesterday expressed his support on Duterte’s call to give additional funding for the Tokyo Olympics following a successful 30th Southeast Asian Games here last week.
Romero asked his fellow leaders from different national sports associations (NSAs) and co-members of the House of Representatives to work as one and make happen the request of the President.
“Let us support President Duterte’s wish of quenching the country’s thirst for an Olympic gold,” he said.
Romero said he is all out in supporting whatever it takes for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under its chairman Butch Ramirez to get the funding and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) led by its President and Tagaytay City Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to ready the athletes for the Tokyo Olympics.
So far, two Filipino athletes have earned slots in the Tokyo Olympics, gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter EJ Obiena, but the number is expected to increase as a number of athletes will see action in different Olympic Qualifying Tournaments starting January.
Rio Olympics silver medalists and Asian Games gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe lead the Filipino bets eyeing Olympic spots.
Romero said he is confident that with the guidance of the PSC, there is a strong chance of realizing the country’s dream of winning the gold medal.
“These are the athletes who have what it takes to give us the sporting glory we all dreaming of. Under the watchful eyes of PSC chairman Ramirez, I am convinced we can finally end our long search for an Olympic gold,” said Romero, himself an athlete and a member of polo team that settled for bronze medal in the SEA Games.
Duterte made his comments during the distribution of cash incentives on athletes who’ve won medals during the 30th SEA Games last Wednesday in Malacanang.
“I heard we are giving P100 million for the Olympics,” said Duterte in his speech attended by athletes and sports officials.
“Puwede tayo magdagdag?” added the country’s Chief Executive as he looked at Andrea Domingo, chairman chief executive officer of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Duterte also mentioned the possibility of increasing the monthly allowances of national athletes following what he calls a “success story” in the SEA Games where the Philippines won the overall title for the first time in 14 years.
The President said that he will make arrangements with Congress for a significant increase in the monthly allowances, which is about P45,000 for ‘elite’ members of the national team.
“I’ll try to talk things over with Congress. Sana ‘yung allowance ninyo, dapat ‘yung pagkain, libre na. ‘Yung allowance ninyo, allowance na ninyo ‘yan… Mga P250,000 a month, okay na siguro ‘yan,” said Duterte as athletes at the ceremony cheered and applauded his pronouncement.
In the SEA Games, the national team won 149 gold medals, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals. He congratulated each and every athlete, whom he also coffered the ‘Order of Lapu Lapu’ award.
Checks were given to athletes during the courtesy call at The Palace as gold medalists received P300,000, P150,000 for the silver, and P60,000 for bronze medalists under the Athletes Incentive Act.
“With President stepping in, I do believe winning an Olympic gold now is no longer impossible,” said Romero as he cited the country’s massive success in the 30th SEA Games.
“Our success in the SEA Games which Cong. Bambol masterminded by staging 529 events in 56 sports was a proof that we can win big if we work as one,” said Romero.
“In the past, politicians who dabble as sports leaders were criticized for using sports as personal platforms. But in this era of sports, we are sportsmen first and politicians second,” Romero said. “And Cong. Bambol proved that.”
The 30th SEA Games also marked the first time that POC doled out additional cash incentives to all Filipino medalists.
Romero also recognized the massive support given by the PSC to all athletes, especially to Yulo, Obiena, Didal and the crack boxing and taekwondo teams.
The one-time basketball godfather also made special mention the names of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial who have good chances of earning Olympic berths.