Romero: More laws to boost Philippine sports

MANILA, Philippines - 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero has vowed to author more laws that will not only give additional financial incentives for athletes and coaches but also build state-of-the-art facilities to further boost the country’s sports development program.

The PBA team owner, in his privilege speech last Wednesday, also urged fellow members of Congress to support Rio Olympic Games silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s call to put up a genuine grassroots sports program.

“Let us help this courageous champion and make double time in our own work herein the hallowed halls of Congress,” said Romero as he led the Congress in awarding Diaz the Congressional Medal of Distinction.

Along with the honor, Diaz also received some P1.4 million from congressmen as added cash incentives for ending the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought.

“Please allow me to take this moment of pride to urge this august chamber to join me in the pursuit of legislation that will cater to the development of sports in our country,” said Romero, one of the officials of the Philippine delegation during the London Games four years ago as then head of the shooting association.

“Actually, I’m doubly lucky as our Phl flag bearer then was Diaz and she was the one who ended the country’s 20-year wait to medal in the Olympics,” said Romero.

“Hidilyn’s dream now is to use her reward money to buy a lot across from their home and turn it into a gym for children. May I quote from Ms. Hidilyn Diaz’s own words: ‘This is the time to promote sports in the grassroots level,’” said Romero.

“Expect many of our athletes to make serious attempts to bring home international competition honors soon. They will surely draw inspiration from what Diaz has been reaping so far,” said Romero.

The 5-foot Diaz was accompanied by her own Rep. Celso Lobregat.

Diaz is the second athlete to receive the gold-plated Medal of Distinction after boxing icon and now Sen. Manny Pacquiao.