Go renews push for equal incentives for para-athletes

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is reviving his call for inclusive sports development by filing a bill that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, to provide para-athletes with benefits at par with their able-bodied counterparts.

The measure, refiled at the start of the 20th Congress, underscores Go’s continued efforts to close the gap in the incentive system and promote equality in sports.

In his explanatory note, Go cited the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to “promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.”

"Through the years, we have witnessed how Filipino athletes stand out in various international sports competitions such as the Asian Games, Para Games, World Championships, and the Olympics,” Go said. “The accomplishments of our athletes have inspired and brought pride to the Filipino people, demonstrating that we can excel in sports with hard work, perseverance, and determination.”

However, he noted a disparity in incentives received by para-athletes compared to other international competitors. “The present law, however, seemingly provided disproportionate incentives as compared to those competing in para sport competitions. Para-athletics, which is practiced by athletes with a disability, must be recognized on the same footing as other international competitions,” Go emphasized.

The bill, if passed, seeks to upgrade the benefits for para-athletes and ensure equal opportunities and recognition across all disciplines. It also proposes full tax exemption on incentives, bonuses, and other monetary rewards received by athletes and coaches from both public and private sources.

The measure will also make donations, gifts, and contributions used exclusively for training and competition expenses deductible from the donor’s gross income, an incentive meant to encourage more support from the private sector.

"As an advocate of sports, we should also further advance sports development in the country, especially in the grassroots, so that aspiring young athletes can be allowed to improve their skills and, hopefully, eventually produce more Olympic medalists who will bring honor to our country," Go added.

"That is why I keep encouraging fellow Filipinos, especially the youth, to get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he said.

As chair of the Senate Committees on Sports, Health, and Youth, Go has actively supported Filipino Olympians and para-athletes. Through the Philippine Sports Commission, para-athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics received P500,000 each in financial support.

Before they left for competition, Go said: “I told them, please—this life is short. Whatever honor you can bring to our country, do it. I’m so happy, they’ve brought immense pride to the nation.”

During the 19th Congress, Go also stood firm on the equal treatment of para-athletes. “Our para-athletes are just like any other athlete. They endure the same hardships and training just to bring honor to the country,” he said.

“It’s not fair that they receive only half of what other athletes get just because of their condition. That should be increased. It’s not their fault that they were born with a disability,” he added.

Go continued: “Our para-athletes also sweat, sacrifice, and fight hard for every medal. A gold is a gold, a silver is a silver, and a bronze is a bronze—what they win is just as honorable.”

“That’s why they deserve increased incentives from the government. What are those costs compared to the pride and sacrifice they bring to the nation? Let’s not treat them as lesser,” he concluded.