Government Fails to Grant Promised P2.5M Incentive to 1996 Olympian Silver Medalist Velasco

11 Aug Government Fails to Grant Promised P2.5M Incentive to 1996 Olympian Silver Medalist Velasco

Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco is one of those who are following the competition in the Philippines contingent to the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Velasco recalls his stint over and over to the new athlete who put on the national colors every 4 years. He was an Olympian for 1996 Atlanta Summer and won the silver medal.

Velasco said, “Naintindihan ko yung hirap at sakripisyo na dinanas nilang lahat. Nauunawaan ko yung pagiging sobrang excited nila. Kasama na rin yung hirap at pagod.”

Velasco rejoiced and celebrated when Hidilyn Diaz, a female weightlifter, ended the drought with a silver medal finish 20 years later. “Hindi ba nakakatuwa? Ibang klase kasi paglumalaban ka para sa bayan. Nauunawaan ko yung sigla kasi uhaw tayo sa medalya. Hindi naman tayo parang ibang bansa na malaki kung humakot ng medalya,” he said.

Velasco couldn’t help but think back to what the government promised in giving him P2.5 million incentive when reports about Diaz receiving prizes and incentives upon her return.

“Meron akong natanggap ng P750,000 pero meron din silang pinasa na bill na meron matatanggap ng addition P2.5 million. Si dating House Speaker Joe Devencia sinabi sa akin na okay na ‘to. Sa senado na lang. Kaso ang nagyari ay nagkagulo sa mga liderato ng senado. Pinalitan ni Ernesto Maceda is Neptali Gonzales bilang leader. Nung makausap ko si Senator Maceda nung buhay pa siya, sabi niya nawala yung mga papeles,” Velasco stated.

From the Republic Act No. 9064 – the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act, Velasco received additional P1.2 million during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But Velasco wanted what was promised to him, “Wala naman tayong problema pero mahirap yung nangako tapos wala. Para tayong pinaasa. Siyempre meron tayong mga plano tulad magtayo ng boxing gym at mag-train ng mga bagong fighter.”

Senator Manny Pacquiao, chairman of the Senate Sports Committee met with Velasco and said that he will inquire about the government’s failure to give the promised incentives to winning athletes.

Pacquiao stated, “Para sa akin tax free na yun. Incentive naman yun sa kanya para sa karangalan na ibinigay niya sa ating bansa. ‘Yun ang importante, i-follow up natin ‘yan para makuha naman niya.”

“Hintayin natin kung ano mangyari,” Velasco ended.