ABAP gives SEAG boxers huge bonuses

MANILA, Philippines - Christmas isn’t over yet for the victorious members of the Philippine boxing team to the recent Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

All 10 Filipino boxers that went to compete in the biennial event went home with medals – three of them gold, four silver and three bronze.

For each medal, the boxers will receive so much more than what the Philippine Sports Commission could offer to SEA Games medalists.

Josie Gabuco, Mark Anthony Barriga and Mario Fernandez, the gold medalists, will receive P300,000 each from ABAP president Ricky Vargas.

It’s three times incentive of P100,000 they received from the PSC upon their return from Myanmar.

Ed Picson, ABAP executive director, said Manny V. Pangilinan, the ABAP chairman, also promised P200,000 for each silver medal and P100,000 for every bronze.

Under Republic Act 9064 otherwise known as the incentives law, a silver medal in the SEA Games is worth P50,000 and the bronze a measly P10,000.

But it’s not the case with ABAP.

Picson said since most of the boxers are still in their respective provinces enjoying the holidays, the cash incentives have yet to be awarded.

“But the money is ready,” he said.

The silver medalists in Myanmar are Junel Cantancio, Dennis Galvan, Wilfredo Lopez and Nesthy Petecio. Winning the bronze were Rey Saludar. Maricris Igam and Irish Magno.

There’s a lot to look forward to once these boxers return from their holiday break.

As long as they’re tax free.

“Baka ma-Pacquiao,” said Picson, referring to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao who’s facing tax issues with the BIR.