Guiao leaves lasting legacy

Former Pampanga First District Representative Yeng Guiao is optimistic about the future now that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be able to receive the full five-percent remittance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The Rain or Shine mentor said leading the effort for the full remittance of the PSC’s share from PAGCOR was his way of giving back after becoming one of the most well-respected coaches in Philippine basketball.

“Sports has given me and my family a good life. It’s given me material things, wisdom and knowledge, and great experience,” the 66-year-old Guiao said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night last Monday, where he emerged with the President’s Award.

“For me, the best way to pay it forward was just to stake my effort and reputation on pursuing this case.”

Despite having Atty. Jun Guzman and his former chief of staff Mon Navarra at his side, the seven-time Philippine Basketball Association champion admitted his efforts might be for naught had everything gone wrong.

“We did not actually expect that we could win this one. When we were planning it out, we thought that we could convince others to join us,” Guiao added.

“Who was Yeng Guiao to go to the Supreme Court and ask the Supreme Court to take away billions of funds from the Office of the President? It was political suicide.”

“But maybe somebody had to commit political suicide so that Philippine sports can breathe some fresh air.”

With the PSC expected to receive P500 million per month, more facilities will be renovated, and athletes will be well-compensated on top of the additional P5,000 increase in their allowances last year.

The financial backing came at a great time as the Philippines gears up for the 20th Asian Games in Japan from 19 September to 4 October, as well as some sports like weightlifting that will start its 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualifying phases this year.

Rather than being remembered, Guiao simply wants his efforts to produce more world-class stars in the future.

“I hope there will be more Caloy Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, Alex Eala, EJ Obiena and I will be happy and satisfied that we’ve had a small part in that. In a week, in a month, in a year, we will be forgotten,” Guiao said.

“But that is not important because we did not do this to be remembered. We did this to be of service, whether we’re forgotten or not.”