Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez bared that the agency has been working on the privileges allowed by Republic Act 10699 to be available for national athletes and coaches.

“We have already coordinated with concerned agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR),” said Ramirez.  The PSC is awaiting instruction from other agencies on the next steps to be undertaken towards full implementation.

Under the law, national athletes and coaches are entitled to a 20% discount in commercial establishments, scholarships for winning athletes, retirement and death benefits.  However, unlike the entitlements for PWDs and senior citizens there are certain challenges we need overcome.  Membership in the national team is very dynamic.  The line-up keeps changing.  Each sport have their own guidelines in giving an athlete a slot in their national team.

“It is not all that simple. There are certain challenges on the implementation,” explained Ramirez, adding that the national athletes and coaches can trust that the PSC is working hard to make these possible soonest.PR