In a virtual meeting with Philippine Olympic athletes, President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would add to the government’s monetary reward for medalists and cash prizes for all Filipino Olympians.

Duterte met with the athletes via teleconference right after they landed in Manila from Tokyo on Monday, August 9.

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The President promised the following cash award, on top of the millions assured for the medalists by law. These would be sourced from the Office of the President, he said.

Below is what Duterte promised to the athletes:

• P2 million for boxing silver medalist Carlo Paalam
• P2 million for boxing silver medalist Nesthy Petecio
• P1 million for boxing bronze medalist Eumir Marcial
• P200,000 each to all Filipino Olympians

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The country’s four medalists will also receive the Order of Lapu-Lapu, recognition created by Malacañang during Duterte’s term to reward individuals who helped carry out the President’s advocacies.

All Olympians would also get “presidential citation,” said Duterte.

“So pwede na kayong magpakasal. May pang gastos na,” the President joked during the courtesy call.

(You can now get married. You have funds for it already.)

“You went to Tokyo to fight and I say that you did your best and the Filipino people appreciate it, especially bringing honor to the country,” Duterte also said.

In a separate courtesy call, Duterte promised to give gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz P3 million, a house and lot, and a Presidential Medal of Merit.

Earlier on Monday, Malacañang was quick to attribute Filipino athletes’ Olympic achievements to the Duterte administration. – Rappler.com