THE House Committee on Youth and Sports Development chaired by Isabela Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III on Wednesday approved House Bill 3523 which seeks to grant health care, retirement, death benefits and other privileges to retired Filipino Olympians.
The bill is authored by committee vice-chairperson and Batangas Rep. Eric Buhain.
“The proposed law aims to rectify the situation by recognizing the retired Filipino Olympians’ exceptional service and providing essentials that benefit them. By caring, we honor their legacy and help them continue giving inspiration for future generations. In addition, we are ensuring their transition from the podium to a dignified and secure life,” Buhain said.
The panel subsequently referred several HBs (1935, 2778, 6746 and 4088) to the subcommittee on athletes’ welfare to check the implementation of Republic Act 7875, or the “National Health Insurance Act of 1995” and RA 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”
The committee also referred HBs 701 and 6747, both of which seeking to provide certain criteria or minimum requirements for the coaching profession, to the subcommittee on sports for further study.
Dy explained that he filed HB 701 to establish minimum competencies and enhance local athletes’ development to meet international standards, as the Philippines still relies on unqualified volunteer coaches.
Committee vice-chairperson and Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez also emphasized the necessity of establishing a registry of certified sports coaches and regulating the practice.
He also proposed amendments to the bill, such as sections detailing the scope of practice, required licensure, qualification requirements, certification and licensure issuance, grounds for revocation or suspension, a roster of certified coaches, practice prohibitions, and the creation and compensation of a professional sports coaching board.
The bills are authored by Dy and Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, respectively.
The committee during Wednesday’s meeting also adopted House Resolutions 1641, 1656, and 1678, extending congratulations to Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Alexandra Eala for their outstanding performances in their individual sports events.
