Pacquiao pledges cash reward for Hidilyn Diaz

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Manny Pacquiao has promised to hand out a cash reward to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who on Monday gave the Philippines a silver medal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pacquiao, however, did not specify how much he will give Diaz, whose silver medal finish in the women's 53kg weightlifting event made her the first Filipina Olympic medalist in history.

“Not really big. The amount will come from my own pocket,” the boxer turned senator said in a PhilBoxing.com report by Aquiles Zonio.

Pacquiao said Diaz deserves all the rewards coming her way for pulling off the feat.

“Malaking karangalan para sa bansa ang ginawa ni Hidilyn Diaz at nararapat lamang na bigyan siya ng parangal at gantimpala,” he added.

Pacquiao’s pledge is among the incentives lined up for Diaz, who is also guaranteed to receive P5 million under the amended Republic Act 10699, which specifies the incentives for Filipino athletes who would win Olympic medals.

A house and lot and other perks from the private sector also reportedly await Diaz.