Cash windfall of Diaz balloons to P48.5 million

CEBU, Philippines —  When it rains, it pours.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be giving an additional P5 million cash incentive to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal in record-breaking performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram confirmed that the additional incentive has already been approved, signed and ready for release.

Diaz will now pocket a total of P20.5 million from the government, P15 million through the PSC by virtue of the incentives law, P2.5 million from Zamboanga City LGU, and P3 million from President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

In all, Diaz will receive a cash windfall of P48.5 million including P10 million from Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF), P10 million from Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, P5 million from Dennis Uy of Phoenix Petroleum, and P3 million from Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero.

That is on top of an additional house and lot in her hometown Zamboanga from President Duterte, house and lot in Tagaytay from POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, P14 million worth condo unit in Eastwood from Andrew Tan of Megaworld Corp., P4 million worth house and lot from Century Properties, free fuel for life with Phoenix Petroleum, unlimited flights for life from AirAsia and Philippine Airlines, a van from Foton, and a lifetime free batchoy, pancit molo and Dinagyang accommodation from the Iloilo City LGU. — EBV