President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to hold a “meet and greet” with the country’s representatives to the 2024 Paris Olympics in Malacañang on Thursday.
The full list of attendees is not yet confirmed, but Filipina gymnast Levy-Jung Ruivivar posted on Instagram that she is on her way to Manila to meet Mr. Marcos.
“Heading to Manila to meet the President,” Ruivivar wrote. “What an honor. Thank you to the President and his office for making this dream come true. Can’t wait to see everyone,” she added.
The earlier welcome ceremony for the athletes has been surrounded by issues after gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo posted on social media that they were unaware of the August 13 welcoming ceremony in Malacañang.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday clarified that all Filipino Olympians were invited. Assistant Secretary Dale de Vera explained that invitations were extended but not directly by Malacañang, adding that both gymnasts had already moved on to their next competitions.
The House of Representatives on Wednesday meanwhile approved on third and final reading a measure exempting Filipino athletes and their coaches from the payment of taxes on the incentives, rewards, bonuses, and other forms of emoluments they have received.
Lawmakers approved House Bill (HB) 10723 by an overwhelming 203 votes.
The bill not only exempts rewards awarded by brands and companies following an athlete’s victory but also donations used for the preparation of national athletes one year before the tournament.
Once signed and enacted into law by President Marcos, the proposed piece of legislation would amend the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act 10699).
The bill exempts from national or local taxes, fees, and charges “all incentives, rewards, bonuses and other forms of emoluments, as well as donations, gifts, endowments and contributions, whether from public or private persons or entities, received by national athletes who compete or win in international sports competitions” including those received by their coaches.
The required period to avail of the tax exemptions does not apply for donations, rewards, and contributions coursed through the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Paralympic Committee.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the passage of the measure, noting that it is among various initiatives in Congress to enhance benefits to Filipino athletes who brought pride and honor to the country.
Earlier, Romualdez said the House is also contemplating the grant of lifetime monthly pension to Filipino athletes who would win medals in the Olympics, starting when they reach the age of 40.
Rep. Gus Tambunting (Paranaque, 2nd District), chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises who was also one of the authors of HB 10723, hopes that tax-free donations and gifts would encourage more Filipino athletes to excel in their chosen sports.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos to host Malacañang meet and greet with Filipino Paris Olympians.”
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