MANILA – National athletes and coaches whose allowances were cut due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are set to receive compensation based on the law that expands the coverage of their incentives.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10699 which provides a 20 percent discount to national team members and coaches when purchasing goods such as food, medicine and sports equipment or availing services.
Beneficiaries may also avail discount on cinemas, restaurants, room accommodations, and transport fares, among others.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez said the national athletes and coaches must show their identification cards for the meantime to avail discount.
PSC is now preparing the booklets which would record the availed discounts of the beneficiaries.
“We have been looking forward to this, and we are thankful that our athletes and coaches will finally enjoy the privilege they deserve,” Ramirez said in a statement.
The rules for discount for national team members will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or any two newspapers of the national circulation.
Ramirez, meanwhile, said that a corresponding 50 percent reduction on the allowances of athletes and coaches was implemented starting June 1 as the National Sports Development Fund for this year was realigned to help in the COVID-19 response.
“This is a hard decision to make but one that needed to be done so we can continue caring for our athletes longer,” said Ramirez./PN
