Extended benefits, privileges for champion Filipino athletes soughtTwo lawmakers are seeking to provide additional benefits and privileges to professional Filipino athletes who have given honor, glory and pride to the country. “This measure recognizes the honor, glory and pride professional Filipino athletes gave our country, reassuring them that their efforts will never be forgotten,” Suansing said. Under the measure to be known as the “Professional Filipino Athletes Health Care, Retirement and Death Benefits Act,” professional Filipino athletes shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) immediately upon winning in any international professional sports competition. The required local government premium counterpart for the winning athletes shall be directly remitted to the PhilHealth through a special program by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB). For athletes who will win in both individual and team events, the retirement benefits for individual events shall be applied.

Source: Manila Bulletin August 21, 2016 02:37 UTC