Press Release - "Pinaghirapan din po nila ang bawat laban" -- Bong Go sponsors bill enhancing incentives for qualified para-athletes competing in international competitions

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, took the floor in the Senate Plenary Session on Monday, August 19, to sponsor Senate Bill No. 2789. This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10699, aiming to increase incentives for para-athletes to align them with the rewards given to their non-disabled counterparts who are considered elite athletes.

This legislative proposal recognizes the achievements and efforts of para-athletes in international sports competitions and promotes inclusivity in sports.

The National Athletes and Coaches Benefits Incentives Act, as it currently stands, does not equitably reward para-athletes who have similarly brought honor to the Philippines through their participation and victories in international para-sport competitions. The proposed measure intends to rectify this disparity by ensuring that para-athletes receive better recognition and incentives.

During his sponsorship speech, Go passionately shared, "Mr. President, ang atin pong mga para athletes ay katulad din po ng ating mga normal na atleta. Sila po ay nag-aalay ng pagod at hirap sa mga training para lang mabigyan ng dangal at honor ang ating bansa sa mga kumpetisyon na lalahukan nila."

"Hindi dahil mayroong kakulangan sa kanila, ibig sabihin na dapat kalahati nalang din po ang kanilang matatangap kung ikukumpara po sa ating mga ordinaryong atleta. Dapat po ay taasan ito. Hindi naman po nila kasalanan na ang iba sa kanila ay ipinanganak na merong kapansanan," he added.

He emphasized the need for society to equally value the medals and achievements of para-athletes, stating, "Kawawa naman ang ating mga para athletes. Pinaghirapan din po nila ang ginto, pinaghirapan din po nila ang bawat laban, pinagpawisan din po nila. Pareho naman 'yung ginto, silver, and, bronze na napanalunan nila. Karangalan rin po 'yon para sa ating bayan."

"Kaya nararapat lang po na ma-increase ang kanilang incentives na matatanggap mula sa gobyerno. Ano ba naman ito kumpara po sa kanilang hirap at karangalan na dala-dala para sa ating bayan? Huwag po natin sila ituring na parang iba," he added.

Go highlighted recent successes at the Paris Olympics and advocated