Romero pushes for creation of DOS

MANILA, Philippines - Party List Rep. Mikee Romero wasted no time introducing House Bill No. 287 calling for the creation of a Department of Sports, which he said should provide a lasting solution to the problems ailing Philippine sports.

“This bill seeks to create the Department of Sports, the government entity that shall lead the implementation of policies on the promotion and development of sports and health fitness programs in the country,” he said.

Romero ran under the 1Pacman Party List, which vowed to look after the welfare of the national athletes and sports in general. It also aims to improve the lives of retired athletes, among others.

Romero said the DOS will take over the Philippine Sports Commission, which was created in 1990 through Republic Act 6847.

Tthe PSC, being a small agency in government, has always complained of the lack of budget, leading to the failure of the Filipino athletes to keep in stride with their foreign counterparts.

The PSC receives no more than P200 million a year from the national government, the bulk of its funds coming from cash-rich government agencies and corporations like Pagcor.

Romero said with the DOS, a Cabinet-level department, sports will get the needed attention and support from the government.

“Sports will no longer have to beg for funding,” he said.

“There is much to be desired for the betterment of sports for the benefit of our athletes and coaches. The seeming deterioration of Philippine sports should be addressed,” said Romero in introducing the bill.

“This measure will address the various challenges that confront Philippine sports,” he said.

Incoming Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said he welcomes the idea of putting up a Department of Sports but said it may take time.

“I am neither against it nor in favor of a Department of Sports. But for the meantime, we are here to provide leadership. If it happens, then good. Let’s just wait for it to become a law. It’s the job of the legislators,” said Ramirez.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco said creating a DOS may not be the solution, especially to the problem of lack of budget.

“It’s not that easy,” he said.

“If you abolish the PSC, you will lose the support from Pagcor,” said Cojuangco, referring to the monthly support the PSC gets from the Philippine Games and Amusement Corporation and other agencies like Philracom.

Under Republic Act 6847, Pagcor must remit a small percentage of its gross income to the PSC, which is around P50 million a month.

“We will lose the Pagcor support because it is part of Republic Act 6847. Mawawala ’yan,” said Cojuangco.