National athletes, coaches to receive full allowances again

National athletes and coaches are set to receive full monthly allowances again starting next week – months after it was slashed in half due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the passing of Bayanihan Act 2 paved the way for the development as it provided P180 million for national team members allowances.

“This is good news for our athletes who have become anxious and even lost their focus during the pandemic. With their allowances back to normal, they can now concentrate on their training,” said Tolentino.

Tolentino added the increase was retroactive, meaning athletes and coaches would also receive the 50% that was cut from their allowances when the budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the year was channeled to pandemic efforts in June.

Also, athletes and coaches will get a one-time P5,000 pandemic assistance.

National team members under the care of the PSC included 996 athletes, 262 coaches, 280 para athletes and 82 para coaches. The total monthly payroll was P41 million.

“The funds are now with the PSC and we expect the allowances to be back to normal on the next pay day for the athletes and coaches,” Tolentino said. – Rappler.com