Carlos Yulo gets P14 million incentive from House

Two-time Olympic medalist and gymnast Carlos Yulo received a P14 million incentive from the House of Representatives on Wednesday for his record-setting exploits in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-year-old Yulo, who was crowned Olympic champion in floor exercise and vault, received P6 million from the House of Representatives as an institution and another P8 million from contributions of over 300 House members during the reception for the Filipino Olympians.

Yulo, who also received a Congressional Medal of Excellence for winning two Olympic gold medal, thanked all those who contributed to his success and shared his unprecedented triumph.

“Salamat po sa mga nagpuyat para mapanood kami. Ang panalo po namin ay panalo nating lahat,” Yulo said.

(Thank you for staying up late to watch our performances in the Olympics. My victory is a victory for all Filipinos.)

Olympic bronze medalists and women boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, on the other hand, received P2.5 million cash incentives each from the House.

Aside from Yulo, Villegas, and Petecio, other Olympians present during the reception were swimmers Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez; trackster Lauren Hoffman; hurdler John Cabang Tolentino; boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Hergie Bacyadan; weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ann Ando and Vanessa Palomar Sarno; pole vaulter EJ Obiena; rower Joanie Delgaco; and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.

On the other hand, United States-based Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo of women's artistic gymnastics; golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina; and fencer Sam Catantan were absent.

Speaker Martin Romualdez recognized the effort of Filipino Olympians and called for the amendment of the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 to increase their benefits. 

“Our Olympians have become the inspiration of our nation. You have brought us honor, and your performances were a golden opportunity to show the world how great Filipinos are. We want to thank each and every one of you athletes, of course, the coaches and your family that all supported you, for you have made this all possible,” he said.

“We aim to conduct a review of our legislation, Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits Incentives Act. Kailangan amyendahan natin [itong batas] para maibibigay na suporta at tulong po sa lahat ng  mga atleta natin,” he added.

(We need to amend our laws so we can provide support and aid to all of our athletes.)

Romualdez then said that, in light of such a review, the lawmakers will be meeting Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Dickie Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino for input.

Yulo earlier bagged P40 million of incentives from the Office of the President and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.—AOL, GMA Integrated News