Guiao wants P1B raise in PSC funds

MANILA, Philippines - Professional basketball coach and Pampanga Rep.  Yeng Guiao, vice chair of the House committee on youth and sports, said  he would propose an amendment to the Philippine Sports Commission charter to give the government sports body a shot in the arm with an annual funding of at least P1 billion.

With that kind of funding, Guiao said the PSC would be mandated to maintain separate training venues for athletes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Guiao said they’ve conducted hearings and   now putting the final touches on the PSC bill.

 Guiao expects to get more inputs from  an inquiry he sought on the dismal showing of the Philippines in the recent Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.

The neophyte lawmaker, a longtime vice governor of Pampanga and champion coach in the PBA, also expects his resolution calling for the probe to start rolling as soon as the House of Representatives resumes sessions Monday.

Guiao said the House Committee on Rules is likely to refer his resolution to the House committee on youth and sports where he is vice chairman to chair Anthony del Rosario of Davao.

“Once given the jurisdiction, Congressman Del Rosario would give that priority,” said Guiao, determined to put Filipino sports leaders to task and pressure them to come up with the proper program that would lead to better showing by Filipino athletes in the next international meets.

“It’s not just about Gilas Pilipinas. It’s an investigation on what happened to the performance of the whole Philippine delegation in the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Korea,” said Guiao.

“The purpose is not to fault or blame anyone but to make an evaluation and assessment, looking at the factors that contributed to the dismal showing, then finding the solution,” Guiao pointed out.

“Ayaw kong maghanap ng sisihin, baka magturuan lang, and it’s counterproductive. I want positive – what are the lessons learned and how do we prepare for the next games,” Guiao added.

More importantly, the hearing would be a venue to help the House craft the new PSC charter.

“In terms of legislation, saan ba kulang? Anong resources? There’s where Congress will come in, taking cognizance of the problem then addressing it. That’s the primary purpose,” said Guiao.

At present, PSC’s funds for athletes are very limited.

“By law, the PSC is to get five percent of Pagcor’s income. Kaya lang 2.5 percent lang ang natatanggap ng PSC. Questionable na agad,” said Guiao.