Incentives for athletes pushed

CEBU, Philippines — While he agrees to the proposed ordinance granting cash incentives to international athletes and coaches who reap honors for Cebuanos, Cebu City Sports Commission Chairman Edward Hayco has asked the City Council to reconsider including the need to be a registered voter as a qualification.

"We at the Cebu City Sports Commission, we endorse this very noble proposed ordinance. We just have minor concern:  The need to be a registered voter. If possible, adjust it to probably something else. Like ‘of Cebu City ancestry.’ We have two or three medalists that are based in Japan, but so proud to be Cebuanos, " he said.

In response, City Councilor Jerry Guardo, who authored the proposed measure, and other members of the City Council assured they will weigh on the concern Hayco raised.

As proposed, for the Oympics, gold earns P 1 million; silver, P 500,000; and bronze, P 300,000. For the Paralympic games, gold, P500,000; silver, P 300,000; and bronze, P200,000. For the Southeast Asian Games, gold, P 300,000; silver, P200,000; bronze, P100,000. —  / RHM (FREEMAN)