SEAG heroes get cash rewards on Wed.

FILIPINO athletes who figured prominently in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia will receive their cash incentives tomorrow in a simple ceremony at the badminton hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Center.

The Philippine Sports Commission is set to hand out the P8 million cash incentives to the athletes and P4.1 million to the coaches released by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Bowler Frederick Ong earned a windfall after becoming the most decorated Filipino athlete in the biennial games with five medals—a gold medal in men’s singles, three silver medals in the men’s team, doubles and masters and a bronze in the men’s trios.

Ong could even surpass the earnings of lady cue artist Iris Ranola, the only double-gold medalist from the elite cast who ruled the 8-ball and 9-ball singles in billiards.

Under Republic Act 9064, also known as the Incentives Act, a gold in the SEA Games is worth P100,000, a silver P50,000 and a bronze P10,000. Coaches are entitled to 50 percent of their athletes’ bonuses.

The Philippines finished sixth overall among 11 countries with 36 gold, 56 silver and 77 bronze medals.

The PSC has a standing policy that athletes should declare the name of their coach prior to competition. PSC chair Richie Garcia said some of the athletes failed to follow the procedure.

“We have a gold medalist and yet there are two or three who are claiming to be the coach. This delayed the release of the incentives,” said Garcia.

The PSC chief said the cheques would be given out only to coaches who had been endorsed by their athletes.  Inquirer