Nagpahayag ng suporta ang Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) sa panukala na bigyan ng pabuya at insentibo ang mga propesyunal na atletang magbibigay ng karangalan sa bansa sa mga international competitions.
Pinuri ni PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan sina Sultan Kudarat Rep. Horacio Suansing at Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing sa paghahain ng House Bill No. 299, na kikilalanin bilang Professional Filipino Athletes Health Care, Retirement and Death Benefits Act.
“While Filipino athletes usually get cash incentives for bringing pride and honor to the country, the government should also exert its efforts in making sure that their health concerns will be addressed once they get sick or hospitalized,” ani Balutan.
“This proposal is the best measure to honor our long-neglected athletes who gave honor and pride to the country, for the interest of Philippine sports in recent history,” dagdag niya.
Sa ilalim ng nasaabing panukala, bibigyan ng pamahalaan ang mga professional athletes na magwawagi sa mga nternational competitions ng pensyon, health at death benefits, at iba pa.
Nakasaad din sa nasabing bill na ang mga professional athletes ay sagot ng National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) at ang PCSO ang bahala sa hospitalization expenses na hindi sakop ng PhilHealth coverage.
“Any amount in excess of the PhilHealth benefits shall be shouldered by the PCSO under its Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) in case of hospitalization of the professional athletes,” ayon pa kay Balutan.
Nakasaad din sa nasabing batas na ang mga professional athletes na magwawagi sa individual international event ay tatanggap ng lifetime monthly pension na hanggang P15,000, at P10,000 para sa bawat miyembro kung ito’y team sports.
Maglalaan din ang gobyerno ng death benefit sa mga kamag-anak ng mga nasabing atleta para magamit sa pagpapalibing at iba pang gastusin. - PNA