Palace prepares extra bonus for medallists

NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Malacañang is preparing extra incentive for Filipino medalists in the 24th SEA Games.

This was bared by Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco saying he has been informed by the Palace of the Christmas bonus to be given by President Arroyo.

 “I have been informed by Malacañang that President Arroyo will give all of our Southeast Asian Games medallists bonuses, regardless whether they win the gold, silver or bronze,” said Cojuangco.

“This should be good news for all of our SEA Games achievers. However, I was not informed how much they will get,” Cojuangco added.

He pointed out that the cash gifts were on top of the regular incentives given by the government through the Philippine Sports Commission for SEAG medallists.

Under the scheme, an individual gold medallist gets P100,000, the silver is worth P50,000 and the bronze P10,000.

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA – A big number of Filipino athletes has checked out of the Athletes Village with four days left in the 24th Southeast Asian Games.

Among those which left for home yesterday were teams from swimming, athletics, water polo, fencing and dance sports. Others who have returned home are the wushu artists, bodybuilders, triathletes and some cyclists.

The once cramped RP lounge is now an open zone.

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NAKHON RATCHASIMA – The long-reigning Singapore water polo champion team is said to be composed of yuppies all driving Lamborghinis.

They are  among Singapore’s biggest prides, undefeated in their event in the region for the longest time now.

They swept five games here to stretch their SEA Games reign with the Philippines finishing second with three wins, one loss and one draw.

The Philippines put up the toughest challenge losing by only four, 3-7. Singapore was so dominant it won by 13 goals over Vietnam, by 12 over Malaysia, by 10 over Thailand and seven over Indonesia.

Producing the water polo silver for the Philippines were Allan Payawal, Sherwin dela Paz, Almax Laurel, Danny dela Torre, Johnny Uba, Ernesto Pabalan, Michael Jorolan, Teodoro Canete, Norton Alamara, Frazier Alamara, Dale Evangelista, Monsuito Pelenio and Tani Gomez. – Nelson Beltran