Speaker: PH has waited a century to see such Olympics success

Speaker Martin Romualdez —Screenshot from RTVM/live

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez congratulated all athletes who competed in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, saying that all showed the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit.

Romualdez said in a statement on Monday that the Philippines’ performance in the Olympics is remarkable, as the country finished 37th in overall rankings while marking the first time that Filipino athletes brought home multiple gold medals.

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“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Filipino athletes for their historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Finishing 37th in the world, with two Gold medals and two Bronze medals, is a remarkable feat that reflects the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of our athletes,” the Speaker said.

Waited a century

“Our country has waited a century to see such success on the global stage. Carlos Yulo’s victories, who earned two Gold medals in gymnastics and a bronze medal each from Filipina boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, have made our nation proud, and we celebrate this momentous achievement. I commend all our athletes who gave their best in Paris, particularly EJ Obiena and Bianca Pagdanganan, who narrowly missed the podium but have inspired millions with their perseverance,” he added.

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Romualdez also praised athletes who may have not finished with a podium ranking, but also did their best to earn a spot at the Olympics.

“I also extend my deepest appreciation to all Filipino athletes who made it to Paris. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment have brought honor to our nation. Qualifying for the Olympics is already an extraordinary achievement, and you have shown the world the strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit,” he said.

“This historic finish is a testament to the progress and potential of Philippine sports. It highlights the importance of continued support for our athletes, who have brought honor to our country. Let this be the beginning of even greater successes in the future,” he added.

During the plenary session earlier, the House Resolutions No. 1915, 1916, and 1917—congratulating boxer Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, and all Filipino athletes part of the Olympic delegation, respectively — were adopted via viva voce, or voice voting.

Petecio won the bronze medal in the women’s 57-kilogram boxing event, while Villegas bagged another bronze in the women’s 50-kilogram boxing tilt.

Heroes’ welcome

Olympic participants are expected to return to the Philippines on Tuesday, where a heroes’ welcome awaits them.

The athletes’ performance, particularly that of Yulo, sent Filipinos into a frenzy, as it is only the second Olympics where the Philippines scored gold — after Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal performance at the weightlifting event in Tokyo, back in 2021.

It was also the first time Filipino athletes won two gold medals at any Olympics.

Different agencies and companies have pledged grants for Yulo after his victories. Speaker Romualdez said Yulo will receive P3 million from the House of Representatives per gold medal, which means he is now slated to get P6 million.

Also, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said they are required under law to provide Yulo a P10 million cash gift for each gold medal he won at the 2024 Paris Olympics. —with reports from Ysabel Escalona, trainee