The allocation for the expenditures of Philippine sports could reach P717-million next year.
This is could happen after Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino forwarded a proposal of an additional P510 million budget for elite sports for 2021.
Tolentino, who is also a congressman representing the 8th district of Cavite, is pushing for this after House of Representatives resumed its deliberations on the national budget for 2021.
The POC chief said he believes that the country has a clear shot at finally winning its first Olympic gold medal, at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
“Tokyo could be that host city where the country could win not one, not two, but probably more Olympic gold medals in 2021. And along this line, the athletes need all the support in their bid to accomplish what has never been achieved before,” said Tolentino.
The proposal of Tolentino is on top of what the Philippine Sports Commission is seeking, which is around P207 million for 2021.
This budget is intended for the agency’s operations and salaries and wages of personnel.
“The PSC needs the full support of Congress—the House and Senate—because 2021 is the year when the Olympic gold medal beckons,” Tolentino said.
The PSC, according to chairman William Ramirez, said that of the P510 million additional budget, P150 million will be for the Tokyo Olympics campaign.
On the other hand, P100 million will be intended for the preparation and participation in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam from November 21 to December 2.