Resolutions have been filed in both houses of Congress commending and recognizing weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her July 26 victory at the Tokyo Olympics.
Senate
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that at the Upper House they have “pushed for a higher budget for the Philippine Sports Commission,” adding that Diaz’s triumph is both an “inspiration and motivation” especially to the youth in areas “where opportunities are elusive and hindered by poverty.”
Pia Cayetano sponsored Senate Resolution No. 805 honoring Diaz, her team, and other Olympians. Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution No. 798 and thanked athletes regardless of the games’ results.
Other resolutions on Diaz were filed by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon with Senate Resolution No. 799, Lito Lapid with Senate Resolution No. 800, and Joel Villanueva with Senate Resolution No. 804.
Senate Committee on National Defense and Security chairperson Sen. Panfilo Lacson suggested that Diaz be commissioned as an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Diaz is an active sergeant in the Philippine Air Force.
Senate Committee on Sports chairperson Bong Go said measures are in place to support those at the Olympics and other athletes, and added that they will not hesitate to look for sponsors. He also proposed Diaz’s promotion to staff sergeant in the AFP.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Juan Edgardo Angara, and Francis Tolentino filed a resolution seeking to establish a “Philippine Senate Medal of Honor award in recognition of outstanding athletes, uniformed personnel, scientists, and exceptional individuals or institutions” for their services and contributions.
House
Several resolutions were also filed at the House of Representatives to congratulate the athlete and recognize her victory.
House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, in his speech on July 26, called for support to athletes at the Olympics “who are a source of inspiration and pride for the country.” Velasco congratulated Diaz in a separate statement.
House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez described Diaz as “a national treasure,” with her name “immortalized as the first Filipino to win a gold medal in the Olympics.”
Rizal Second District Rep. Fidel Nograles appealed to grant the athlete a congressional medal of achievement.
“We have long waited for this gold medal and it is just [fitting] for the Philippine Congress to honor our first ever Olympic gold medalist [with] a congressional commendation, as her win brought our country not just great honor but immense pride and joy,” Nograles said.
Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero pledged P3 million.
Meanwhile, the Makabayan Bloc asked that the gold medalist be given her incentive in accordance with the law.
Under Sec. 8 of Republic Act No. 10699 (National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act), the Philippine Sports Commission is to issue P10 million and an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor to gold medalists of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. – Reports from Eunice Samonte and Daniel Manalastas/AG- jlo
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