Trillanes seeks to increase benefits for athletes

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV is seeking to expand a law giving benefits and incentives to national athletes, coaches and trainers by including athletes with disabilities and those who won in international sports competitions, not sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other quadrennial meet.

Trillanes put forward Senate Bill No. 3313 to amend Republic Act 9064, or the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2011, to give "athletes with disabilities the same opportunities and incentives afforded to regular athletes who win in international competitions through the grant of the same cash and non-monetary benefits and incentives given to regular national athletes."

Trillanes, who chairs the Senate Committee on Amateur Sports Competitiveness, also wants to increase the incentives given to winning national athletes, athletes with disabilities, coaches and trainers.

Among the benefits the young senator is seeking for winning olympians are lifetime exemption from income tax and other taxes that may be imposed relevant to the sports, and a monthly pension of P10,000 commencing five years after winning the Olympics until he/she reaches the age of 60.

"With this measure, we will be able to promote fairness and equality in our effort to provide recognition, incentives and encouragement for our athletes. It is through this measure that we can manifest our sincere appreciation for the valiant efforts they have displayed in recent competitions, as well as for the pride and honor they have brought to our country," Trillanessaid.

The proposed legislation is the consolidated version of the filed bills of Senators Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Lito Lapid and Vicento Sotto III on the same subject.