The Philippines has a proud history of producing world-class athletes. From boxing legends to weightlifting stars and gymnastics prodigies, Filipino sportsmen have consistently displayed exceptional talent, resilience and dedication.

It’s truly inspiring to see some of these grizzled warriors transition to public service, giving them a golden chance to offer their unique perspective and experience to their constituents.

Yes, the country’s most distinguished athlete in eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao didn’t win, but there are still sports-loving legislators in the Senate like former national bowler Tito Sotto and top sports fan Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go who can surely protect the welfare of Filipino athletes.

Also winning in the midterm elections were Philippine Olympic Committee second vice president Richard Gomez and former De La Salle University head coach Franz Pumaren, who retained their seats as representatives of Ormoc City and Quezon City, respectively.

At the local level, former Philippine Basketball Association stars Vergel Meneses, Dodot Jaworski, Gary David, and James Yap will be holding public office.

Meneses, a former Most Valuable Player and one of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, bagged a fresh three-year term as mayor of Bulakan town in Bulacan, while Jaworski returns as vice mayor of Pasig City under Mayor Vico Sotto. David and Yap, meanwhile, were elected councilors of Dinalupihan, Bataan and San Juan City, respectively.

Former collegiate stars also made their presence felt as former University of Santo Tomas cagers Jeric Teng bagged a seat in the municipal council of Gumaca, Quezon, while Jervy Cruz was elected councilor in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija. Former Ateneo de Manila University volleyball star Charo Soriano, on the other hand, topped the councilor race in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.

You see, sports is a powerful vehicle for attaining public office. It is a catalyst that can launch one’s political career. That’s why it is imperative for these sportsmen-politicians to give back and serve the sector that made their election victories possible.

Grassroots development should be on top of their agenda. 

As we know, young athletes do not have an avenue to train and compete outside school-based tournaments like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa. It is now a challenge for these public servants to champion their cause by finding ways for aspiring athletes to further hone their talents that would eventually lead to their inclusion in the national training pool.

Building sports infrastructure, even at the grassroots level, is also something that they should work on. After all, it is very important for young athletes to have proper venues, facilities and equipment if they really want to excel in their chosen sports.

Of course, all this will be worthless if sports-minded politicians, especially the lawmakers, will not craft legislation favorable to Filipino athletes. Either by refining existing laws or enacting new ones, the important thing is they keep the welfare of the thousands of athletes, coaches, trainers and other sports stakeholders in mind as they formally assume their roles as public servants.

Republic Act 10699, or the Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, is a good example of an existing law that needs to be revisited. It was enacted in 2001 and was amended in 2015. It needs some key changes to truly benefit the athletes and coaches who excelled in various international tournaments, especially the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

The Philippines is lagging behind other countries in providing government benefits and incentives to our athletes, discouraging them from chasing their goal of bringing pride and honor to the nation in the international arena.

By leveraging their experience, influence, and passion for sports, sportsmen in public service can play a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of Philippine sports. 

They can be the champions that our athletes need, ensuring that they get the resources, support, and opportunities to reach their full potential. 

True enough, it is time for these public servants to step up to the plate and make a lasting contribution for the welfare and protection of the very same sector that sparked their rise to power.