Senators grant Diaz cash incentive from chamber’s savings

Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz. SCREENSHOT OF RTVM VIDEO

In the presence of Rio Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, senators on Wednesday agreed to give her a cash incentive, which would be taken from the chamber’s savings.

The decision was reached when Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon made a motion on the floor, authorizing Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to give cash incentive to Diaz which will be drawn from the savings of the Senate.

Drilon said Senate  Resolution 83, commending and honoring Diaz for getting a silver medal in weightlifting competition, will be “more meaningful” if she would be given a cash incentive by the chamber.

READ: Senate to fete Olympic heroine Hidilyn Diaz

No senator objected to Drilon’s motion.

Diaz had already received P5 million from the government as provided for under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Law.

After deciding on Drilon’s motion, the chamber adopted the resolution filed by Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, chair of the committee on sports.

Similar resolutions were also filed by Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Sherwin Gatchalian, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Nancy Binay.

READ: Senators churn out praises for Hidilyn Diaz’ silver-medal win

The chamber later decided to include all senators present at the session hall as co-authors of the resolution.

Diaz was in the VIP gallery of the session hall when Drilon’s motion and Pacquaio’s resolution were adopted by the chamber. RAM

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