ON Tuesday, August 27, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, presiding as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, delivered a compelling opening statement at the post-evaluation hearing of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His address celebrated the historic achievements of Filipino athletes while also seeking to address the critical issues they face.
“First of all, I congratulate our Filipino athletes who participated and exemplified admirable dedication and perseverance in the 2024 Paris Olympics,” he said.
“I am so proud that we have made history as we are able to reap not only one medal but four medals in the biggest and grandest sporting event in the world. History po ito na first-time naka-dalawang gold tayo at dalawang bronze,” he added, highlighting the landmark achievement of securing two gold and two bronze medals, a significant improvement over past Olympics.
The senator went on to commend specific athletes, such as Carlos Yulo, the ‘Golden Boy’ of gymnastics, who brought home two gold medals, and boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, who each claimed a bronze.
“Congratulations po sa ating Golden Boy si Carlos Yulo and, of course, Aira Villegas for clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 50kg Boxing Division, Nesthy Petecio na taga-Mindanao for bagging bronze in the women’s 57kg Boxing Division. Petecio is our first back-to-back medalist in the Olympics,” Go remarked, proudly acknowledging their contributions to the Philippines’ status as the top-performing Southeast Asian nation in the recent Olympics.
Reflecting on his tenure since becoming the Chairperson of the Committee on Sports in 2019, Go expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts between the government and private sector that have significantly bolstered the athletes’ international competitiveness.
“Ngayon po, masaya ako as Chairperson ng Committee on Sports since 2019. Ako, nasa likod lang naman po kami na sumusuporta sa inyo, bilang nagdi-defend po ng inyong budget ay nakakuha tayo ng first ever gold, first ever twin gold pa tayo,” he said.
However, the committee also looked into a significant challenge that emerged during the Paris Olympics—the inadequate provision of uniforms for the Philippine golf team. This oversight highlighted broader systemic issues requiring urgent attention in order to ensure the momentum of the Philippine sports sector.
“Nabigla po ako at labis na nalungkot nang malaman ko ang sitwasyon hinggil sa kawalan ng mga uniporme ng ating mga golfer sa 2024 Paris Olympics. Nakausap ko po personally sa aking opisina, dumulog po sina Dottie Ardina, para marinig ang kanyang mga hinaing,” he detailed, using this incident to underscore the necessity of ensuring that all Filipino athletes receive comprehensive support.
He used this incident to underscore the government’s role in ensuring necessary support that is crucial for athletes to perform their best and not be distracted by such issues.
“This incident underscores the importance of ensuring that all Filipino athletes competing in international events are fully supported by the government, including the provision of appropriate and sufficient sportswear and equipment to allow them to perform at their best,” he added.
In response to these and other challenges, Go highlighted the financial support initiatives that the government had rolled out, ensuring that Filipino Olympians and para-Olympians were well-prepared.
“Ramdam ko po ang sama ng loob na inilabas ng ating mga atleta. Hindi natin ito inaasahan lalo pa’t isinulong natin ang dagdag na PhP30 milyon na pondo para lamang sa preparasyon ng ating delegates sa 2024 Olympics,” he explained.
Moreover, Go, together with the PSC, also provided pre-departure financial support to Filipino Olympians, where each participating athlete received PhP500,000 for the Paris Olympics. The same amount was also given to para-athletes competing in the Paris Paralympics.
“Pinagbilin ko sa kanila bago sila umalis, sabi ko, please, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung anong karangalan…ang pwede nating dalhin sa ating bayan, gawin na po natin. Masaya po ako, sobra-sobrang karangalan po ang dala-dala nila para sa atin,” added Go.
Moreover, Go discussed his proactive role in sponsoring significant budget increases for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“Ang budget po ng PSC sa NEP na sina-submit sa Congress ay less than PhP200 million po yan bawat taon. Ako mismo since 2019… noong 2022 less than 200 million ang budget ng PSC, isinulong natin para maging PhP1.2 (billion), times five po ito at dinagdagan pa sa Senado dahil po sa preparation sa FIBA.”
He also pointed out his push for improvements in sports infrastructure, like the repairs needed at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and PhilSports Arena, advocating for prioritized budget allocation for sports facilities within the national infrastructure budget.
“Ako po ay nananawagan sa mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno, not only dito sa Kongreso, sa Senado, but sa Executive department po, sa DPWH, baka pwede niyong unahin muna itong mga sports infrastructure,” he said.
Go also shared a recent Supreme Court ruling that ordered PAGCOR and PCSO to remit a portion of their income to fund the Philippine Sports Commission, a decision that promises more consistent funding for sports development.
“As officially announced last Thursday by the Supreme Court, the Court ordered PAGCOR and PCSO to account and remit a portion of their income mandated by law, finally, for the funding of the Philippine Sports Commission.”
Go also sponsored a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the incentives for para-athlete medalists if enacted into law, underlining the commitment to inclusivity in sports:
“We also recently sponsored the bill upgrading the incentives to our para-athlete medalists. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.”
Finally, Go concluded with a call to action to not only enhancing support for Filipino athletes but also using sports as a platform for national pride and a deterrent against societal issues like illegal drug use.
“As I have said many times before, investing in sports will not only enable us to develop world-class athletes, but it will also help us in keeping our youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices. Isang paraan po ito para ipagpatuloy ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga,” asserted Go.
He wrapped up the hearing with an inspiring vision:
“Sama-sama po nating ibalik ang dangal ng Pilipinas sa sports. Together, let us restore the honor of Philippine sports and further cement our status as a ‘Sports Powerhouse in Asia’.”
