Bambol: Where are the incentives?

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino urged the Philippine Sports Commission not to delay any further the granting of cash incentives to members of the national team that won a historic gold medal in the 9th Asian Winter Games more than 10 weeks ago.

“Where are the incentives?” Tolentino said.

“This delay is hurting the momentum of our historic gold medal in curling in Harbin with strong consideration that the victory — a first by the country and any Southeast Asian nation in any winter sports — is our springboard to a potential gold in next year’s Winter Olympics.”

Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller and Benjo Delarmente shocked the world when they beat South Korea, 5-3, in the men’s curling gold medal play last 14 February in the Asian Winter Games.

“That was the best-ever achievement by our country in a winter sports competition,” Tolentino said.

“So let’s give what’s due this team because before their historic success in Harbin, they’ve been competing under the Philippine flag at their own expense and without any support from our government.”

The POC was quick to the draw in rewarding the athletes with a cash bonus of $5,000 each when they flew into the country to present their medals four days after their victory in the Asian Winter Games.

Under Republic Act 10699 — an Act Expanding the Coverage of Incentives Granted to National Athletes and Coaches — the team is entitled to a P2-million incentive with the coaches receiving bonuses equivalent to 20 percent of the athletes’ reward.