Asiad coaches receive bonuses

As promised by the Philippine Sports Commission, a total of P3.9 million in cash incentives was awarded yesterday to the respective coaches of all Filipino medalists in the recent Doha Asian Games.

Chairman Butch Ramirez of the PSC said President Arroyo made sure that the coaches would receive their cash incentives from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation before the end of the year.

Topping the list of money earners was wushu coach Samson Co who got P750,000 for steering Rene Catalan to the gold and Eduard Folayang to the silver of their respective weight classes of the sanshou event.

The Philippines won four gold, six silver and nine bronze medals in the Doha Games held Dec. 1-15 as it surpassed a three-gold haul in Busan four years ago.

Violito Payla and Joan Tipon also won gold medals in boxing, and Antonio Gabica in 9-ball singles. Gabica also won the silver in 8-ball singles, and Jeff de Luna in the 9-ball event.

Under Republic Act 9064, Filipino medalists in the Asian Games will get P1 million for every gold, P500,000 for silver and P100,000 for the bronze. Coaches are entitled to receive 50 percent of what the athletes get.

Billiards coaches Ricardo Ancaja and Edgar Asonto got P500,000 each while boxing coaches Pat Gaspi, Boy Velasco and Ronald Chavez will each receive P366,666 each.

In taekwondo, where the country won two silver and three bronze medals, coaches Raul Samson, Roberto Cruz and Stephen Fernandez are entitled to P216,666 each.

Karatedo’s David Lay earned P250,000 and Victolito Luna P50,000, while Martin Misa of tennis received P100,000.

"The coaches deserve these incentives as much as the athletes do. They have also sacrificed a lot and it is only befitting that we also honor and recognize their achievements," said Ramirez.