Hidilyn to get ‘millions’ of pesos from Duterte on top of reward mandated by law – Palace

Gold medallist Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz stand on the podium for the victory ceremony of the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Hidilyn Diaz is set to receive “millions” of pesos from President Rodrigo Duterte for bagging the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal, Malacañang said Tuesday.

This is on top of the reward money mandated by law and the incentives pledged by the private sector for athletes who will bring home the gold.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, while refusing to state the exact amount, said the President has promised a reward for Filipino athletes who would win a gold medal in the Olympics.

“Ayaw ko muna i-anunsyo dahil baka mapalaki pa pero milyon milyon ang pinangako ng Presidente para doon sa makakakamit ng gintong medalya,” Roque said in a press briefing in Zambales.

(I don’t want to announce it yet because it could still increase but President Duterte has promised millions for athletes for those who will win the gold.)

“Hidilyn truly deserves it. Kung ano man ‘yung pagkukulang  sa training, I’m sure na mababawi lahat ‘yan sa generosity, hindi lang ng pamahalaan, pati ng pribadong sektor because she truly made us proud,” he added.

“Hindi mababayaran ng salapi ang tagumpay ni Hidilyn pero hayaan naman natin na ipakita ang ating pagmamahal sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng hindi lang congratulations kung hindi pabuya sa kanyang mga nakamit,” he continued.

(The victory of Hidilyn cannot be paid by money but we can show her our love by giving our congratulations and giving her rewards for her achievements.)

It can be recalled that Diaz had to ask for financial support for her to be able to participate in the Tokyo Olympics. She mulled asking for aid from private companies.

Now that she bagged a gold medal after conquering the women’s 55-kilo weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics, she is expected to rake in at least P35 million worth of incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), country’s tycoons and her hometown.

The PSC’s incentive system (RA 10699) guarantees an Olympic gold medallist P10 million in incentives. The pot is matched by business tycoons Ramon S. Ang and Manny V. Pangilinan. Rep. Mikee Romero also made a pledge of P3 million.

Zamboanga City, Diaz’s hometown, will also reportedly give an additional P2.5 million, totaling Diaz’s pot prize to P35.5 million.