20% discount for national athletes, coaches to be implemented

The 20 percent discount for national athletes and coaches from select establishments will finally be implemented, the Philippine Sports Commission announced Friday.

This covers purchases for transportation, lodging, food, medicine, and sports equipment, as provided by the Republic Act 10699 or "National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act."

"We have been looking forward to this and we are thankful that our athletes and coaches will finally enjoy the privilege they deserve," PSC chairman William Ramirez said in a press release.

The Bureau of International Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday issued Revenue Regulation 13-2020, which outlines the application of the incentives under section 4 of RA 10699.

According to the regulations, national athletes and coaches must present their Philippine National Sports Team Identification Card and Booklet to avail of discounts.

The PSC said they have already distributed the IDs to the members of the national team, while the booklets are still being prepared.

The regulations will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or any 2 nationally-circulated newspapers.

In December, Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Agatha Wong called attention to the refusal of establishments to grant discounts to national athletes and coaches. —MGP, GMA News