MANILA: Six resolutions were filed in the Senate on Monday seeking to award Carlos Yulo an official commendation and the Senate Medal of Excellence for bagging two gold medals in the ongoing Paris Olympics.
Senate Resolution Nos. (SRN) 1102 and 1106 were filed by Senate Majority Leader Francise Tolentino, SRN 1104 and 1105 were filed by Senator Joel Villanueva, while SRN 1103 1098 were filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
“Mr. Yulo made history for Philippine gymnastics by becoming the country’s first double Olympic gold medalist, showcasing his grit and talent as he reigned supreme in the floor exercises and men’s vault final at the 2024 Paris Olympics,” Tolentino said in his resolution.
Villanueva said the 24-year-old gymnast made history as the first Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals in the country’s 100 years of participation in the world’s biggest sporting event.
‘He is also the first to win an Olympic medal for the country in gymnastics,” Villanueva said.
In a press briefing
after filing the resolutions, Tolentino said other Filipino athletes are also expected to be awarded with the Senate’s highest honor.
“Ang mangyayari nito, magkakaroon din ng Senate Medal of Excellence lahat ‘yung nanalo, si Caloy Yulo, may medals na rin sina (What will happen is Senate Medals of Excellence will be awarded to the winners Caloy Yulo, also the other medalists) Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, and hopefully si EJ Obiena,” Tolentino said.
Under SRN 110 adopted in the 18th Congress, the Senate Medal of Excellence can be conferred to outstanding Filipinos as recognition of their exemplary service, outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to nation-building.
Tolentino said senators will also discuss if they will contribute to raise cash incentives to the awardees.
More benefits
At the House of Representatives, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has asked concerned committees to initiate action on passing a measure that would institutionalize the grant of more benefits, including l
ifetime pension, to Filipino Olympic medalists.
He said this is one way to honor the Filipino athletes for their outstanding achievements in the Olympics to enhance and increase the benefits they should receive from the government for the pride and honor they have brought the country.
‘Ang karangalang hatid ni Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz at nang ating mga Olympians para sa ating bansa at sa sambayanang Pilipino ay hindi natin kailanman masusuklian pero maaari nating kilalanin ang kanilang tagumpay sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng benepisyo mula sa pamahalaan (The honor brought by Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz and our other Olympians to the country and Filipino people can never be reciprocated, but their victory could be acknowledged by means of provision of benefits from the government),’ Romualdez said in a statement.
He said lifetime pension will be given for all Filipino Olympic gold, silver and bronze medalists, and shall start at the age of 40 when they retire from sports.
Romualdez said this recognition of
Filipino Olympians’ achievements can ensure them of a bright and secure future even if they retire from the sports they excelled in.
He directed the appropriate committee to study possible amendments to Republic Act (RA) 10699 or the ‘National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act’.
The Filipino athletes, including those who won medals in the Olympics and those competing in international events, will be invited as resource persons, including their coaches and support personnel during the deliberations, he added.
Oversight functions of Congress on RA 10699 will also be exercised, he said.
‘Dapat suriin at tiyakin ang tamang implementasyon ng RA 10699, lalo na sa aspeto ng (We should study and make sure for the right implementation of RA 10699), National Health Insurance Program, Social Security System, and National Housing Authority,’ he said.
Hero’s parade
The city government of Manila said a hero’s parade awaits the 24-year-old star gymnast.
‘Wala po kaming pagsidlan ng tuwa para kay Carlos
Edriel Yulo sa kanyang pambihirang tagumpay sa pagkamit ang dalawang gintong medalya sa (We cannot contain our happiness for Carlos Edriel Yulo Paris his momentous victory in clinching two gold medals in the) Paris Olympics 2024. By achieving this incredible feat, Carlos Yulo has forever etched his name in the annals of Philippine and Asian sports,’ Mayor Honey Lacuna said in a statement Monday.
While there is no specific date yet for the parade, Lacuna said they plan to start the parade at Yulo’s residence.
‘We will announce the date and route of the parade once we have coordinated with Caloy’s team. Tentatively, we are thinking of starting the parade where it all began-on Leveriza Street in Malate, where Caloy grew up,’ she said.
‘The parade will pass through areas near Malacañang, the University Belt, and will conclude at Manila City Hall. Here, Caloy Yulo will receive cash incentives, honors, and recognition from the entire Local Government of Manila,’ she said.
She hoped that Yulo’s victory will serv
e as an inspiration to the youth.
‘This is our way of paying tribute to Caloy’s greatness. To ensure that more of our youth can witness the parade, I will have Manila schools’ students, in coordination with DepEd (Department of Education) and the private schools, come and witness Caloy Yulo’s procession through the streets of Manila,’ she said.
Source: Philippines News Agency