Yulo gets P18M in cash rewards, other Olympians honored

Gymnastics star Carlos Yulo received a total of over P18 million in cash rewards and honors for his record-setting exploits at the Paris Olympics, including an additional P14.01 million from the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Yulo, who won two Olympic gold medals, also received P6 million from the House as an institution and another P8,010,000 from contributions by over 300 House members during a reception for Filipino Olympians.

Boxing bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas each received additional cash incentives of P2.5 million from the House, doubling their initial awards under Republic Act 10699 to P4 million in total.

The rest of Team Philippines, consisting of 22 athletes, were given P1 million apiece, while their coaches will receive P500,000 each as mandated by law and further recognized by the President for their achievements in the Paris Olympics.

Speaker Martin Romualdez called for an amendment to the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 to increase benefits for athletes, recognizing the inspiration they have brought to the nation.