The House of Representatives on Tuesday (Aug. 31) passed House Bill No. 9990 or the Hidilyn Diaz Act on the third and final reading.
With 205 votes in favor of the bill and zero negative votes, the Hidilyn Diaz Act seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
HB No. 9990 aims to recognize the athletes who will compete and win in international sports competitions including their coaches through exempting their incentives, rewards, and bonuses from being taxed.
House Speaker Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Salceda filed the bill following the historic win of gold medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“This is our way of giving back to our exceptional national athletes, a well-deserved reward for their perseverance and hard work,” Velasco said.
Report from Daniel Manalastas,PNA/NGS-rir
