Yulo leads money winners

Gymnast Carlos Yulo and taekwondo jin Jeus Yape are set for a hefty payday after their respective sparkling medal-winning performances at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Under Republic Act 10699, or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” Asian Games gold medalists are entitled to P2 million, while silver medalists receive P1 million and bronze medalists P400,000.

Yulo, 26, won gold in the men’s floor exercise and vault to earn P4 million in incentives.

He and Yape are the only Filipino athletes to win two medals each in Nagoya.

Yape will receive P2.4 million after winning gold in the mixed individual virtual taekwondo event and bronze in the men’s individual poomsae.

The 22-year-old University of Santo Tomas standout will also serve as the Philippines’ flag bearer during Sunday’s closing ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium.

Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, meanwhile, is assured of P2 million for his second straight gold medal.

Obiena is also in line for additional incentives after setting a new Asian Games record with his 5.91-meter clearance.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio had earlier appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos for additional incentives for the Filipino athletes before the start of the Games.

“It is the discretion of the President just like what he did in the Southeast Asian Games. Whatever incentives the PSC gave back then, he doubled it,” Gregorio said.

“That is really a great way to support our athletes.”

The Philippines finished the Nagoya Games with four golds, nine silvers and 16 bronzes for a total of 29 medals.