By Rommel F. Lopez
Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Pinay weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz will come home to the Philippines an Olympic heroine and with a new house and lot in Tagaytay and P30 million in cash.
Republic Act 10699 signed by the late President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2015 grants a Filipino Olympic gold medalist P10 million while a silver medalist will get P5 million and a bronze medalist P2 million.
Apart from the cash incentive mandated by the law, Diaz will also receive P10 million from the MVP Sports Foundation of business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan
“Now, RSA is giving the same amount,” shared Tolentino. “I expect more to come once the gold is delivered. It may even reach P50 million.”
Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation has also pledged P10 million for Pinoy Olympians who will bring home the elusive gold medal.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed Ang’s pledge during the weekly Philippine Sportswriter’s Association forum on July 13. Ang also pledged P5 million Filipino silver medalists and P2 million for bronze medalists.
As added motivation, Tolentino pledged to give a house and lot in Tagaytay to the gold winner.
Because of the pledges, Diaz will receive at least P30 million in cash for bringing home the country’s first gold medal in the Summer Olympics.
Diaz won a silver medal for the women’s 53 kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.