Go wants timely release of athletes’ allowances

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go pressed sports officials to address delays in the release of allowances and other support for national athletes, saying those representing the country should not have to worry about unpaid training expenses or become casualties of internal sports politics.

During the Senate deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) last Wednesday, Go returned to concerns raised by members of Alas Pilipinas over delayed allowances during training.

Go said he had personally spoken with members and officials of the Philippine women’s volleyball team as well as national team star Bryan Bagunas regarding their concerns.

“I personally spoke with the Philippine women's volleyball team. They had complaints back then about not receiving their allowances. I spoke directly with the coach, the manager, and the team captain — the team itself. We heard their grievances. And I also spoke directly with Bryan regarding the complaint,” Go said.

Go questioned why athletes had to wait for months for allowances and urged the PSC and concerned national sports associations to expedite support.

“Regarding the complaints we heard about the delays, perhaps you can expedite it, speed up the process, and ensure we don’t get complaints about two-month delays anymore. In fact, it should ideally be provided in advance,” he said.

Go cited the experience of sepak takraw athletes whose allowances were proactively released without requiring the athletes themselves to repeatedly follow up.

“I was pleased to hear that in a local sepak takraw association, they mentioned that the PSC even called them. They didn't even have to follow up on their allowance; you were the ones who took the initiative to call them and release their funds. If you can do that for Sepak Takraw, why can't you do it for all sports?” he asked.

PSC officials explained during the hearing that problems involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation had complicated the processing of assistance, citing repeated leadership changes and delayed submission of documents.