Guiao’s selfless act

SPORTS development in the country will now have a brighter future, as far as funding is concerned, which is the most essential part in preparation, training and exposure of our athletes to do better in the various sporting arena. International or grassroots.

And if you asked how’s that? Well, thanks through the effort and selflessness by a lone crusader, a firm believer of the country’s homegrown talents. Current Rain or Shine coach Yang Guiao, who filed the petition in the Supreme Court during his stint as a lawmaker representative from Pampanga in the 16th congress.

Guiao filled the petition in 2016 before the high court, which eventually ordered the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to remit a portion of the two government agencies to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

For his part, Guiao,who like his father and former Pampanga Governor Bren Guiao,and a staunch supporter of grassroots sports, thank the entire SC bench for their support as it granted the younger Guiao’s request with a unanimous verdict.

It was indeed a great victory for sports development and will surely give sports, in the country in general, a big boost as funding is regarded a primary component in as far as the performance of our athletes in the international competitions, such as the Olympics, World championships, regional international meet like Asia Games, Southeast Asian Games and others.

For eight years, finally the court heeded to Guiao’s petition until the high court came with this decision which was promulgated last May 28, before te said decision was released last last August 22. “ I’ve waited eight years, for this decision, justice is served to Philippine sports and it’s grassroots program” he said in an online social media platform.

Under the high court ruling as ordered, PAGCOR has now to remit at least 5% of its total earnings from Casino Filipino and other licensed gaming operations to PSC, while PCSO and its other charity affiliates, such as Lotto, Small Town Lottery, horse racing and others, has been directed to hand over 30% of its proceeds.

The court ordered the two bodies also to remit arrears of six years dating back from 2006 to present. Guiao estimated the amount to reach as much as P25 billion, which Guiao sees it enough to support sports infrastructure projects and support our athletes and coaches.

With that amount, it will really go a long way. Recently the country’s 22-athletes in the last 2024 Paris Olympics, our athletes head by Gymnast Carlos Yulo, earned two Gold medals and women boxers Nesty Petecio and newcomer Aira Villegas come home with bronze medal each. Equalling the medal haul the country in the previous Tokyo Games in 2022, with one gold, silver and two bronzes.

Lady weightlifter Hidlyn Diaz’s unforgettable performance, gave the country its first ever Olympic gold medal and true enough, funding played a big factor in honing her skills, preparations and exposure to a higher level competition that resulted the Zamboanguena’s golden triumph. athletes and coaches.

With that amount, it will really go a long way. Recently the country’s 22-athletes in the last 2024 Paris Olympics, our athletes head by Gymnast Carlos Yulo, earned two Gold medals and women boxers Nesty Petecio and newcomer Aira Villegas came home with bronze medal each. Equalling the medal haul the country in the previous Tokyo Games in 2022, with one gold, two silvers and a bronze.

Lady weightlifter Hidlyn Diaz’s unforgettable performance, gave the country its first ever Olympic gold medal and true enough, funding played a big factor in honing her skills, preparations and exposure to a higher level competition that resulted the Zamboanguena’s golden triumph.