Implementation of Gratuity and Monthly Incentive Allowance Plan for Athletes

July 24, 1997

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 352

APPROVING AND DIRECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GRATUITY AND MONTHLY INCENTIVE ALLOWANCE PLAN (GMIAP) FOR ATHLETES

WHEREAS, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), by virtue of Section 7 of Republic Act 6847 is mandated to "Provide such incentives, recognition, and awards to deserving associations, athletes, referees, coaches, trainers and other persons or entities involved in or supporting sports development as may be permissible under the rules of amateurism";

WHEREAS, the PSC accorded Filipino boxer Mansueto Velasco Jr. a one time reward of P750,000 and a monthly pension of P7,000 for life for his impressive and inspiring performance at the 1996 World Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, over and above the various incentives granted by private benefactors, and,

WHEREAS, there is a need to similarly recognize the achievements and contributions of other outstanding bemedalled athletes who have participated in international sports competitions and provide incentives and supplemental income to these athletes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Implementation of a Gratuity and Monthly Incentive Allowance Plan (GMIAP). — The Gratuity and Monthly Incentive allowance Plan (GMIAP)" for athletes, hereto attached as "Annex A", is hereby approved for implementation.

SECTION 2. Program Components. — The GMIAP shall contain two (2) major program components, as follows:

(1) One-Time Gratuity Award. — This award shall cover all living bemedalled athletes who have participated in past Olympics, Asian Games and World Championships and those who have distinguished themselves in sports events with at least a continental impact (e.g. Asian Games).

Monetary compensation shall be given to the athletes depending on the type and number of medals won. Members of the athlete's team shall also receive an amount equivalent to half of the compensation received by the individual medalists.

The heirs of deceased Olympic or Asian Games medalists, as defined in the Family Code, shall qualify to receive the benefits.

(2) Monthly Incentive Allowance Plan. — The allowance shall be granted to all living Olympic and Asian Games medalists forty (40) years old or over, and all living Olympic/Asian Games medalists who are incapacitated regardless of age.

SECTION 3. Implementation. — The Philippine Sports Commission shall be the lead agency in the implementation of the GMIAP. It shall establish a Working Secretariat within the agency to process all documents relative to the claims and benefits of the athletes.

SECTION 4. Funding. — Fund requirements for the implementation of the Plan shall be sourced from the following.

(1) For the One-Time Gratuity Award, the PSC is hereby authorized to conduct a Pledging Session with Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Private Sector Organizations.

(2) For the Monthly Incentive Allowance Plan, the initial budgetary requirement in the amount of P10.5 million shall be charged against the 1997 appropriations of the Philippine Sports Commission to be augmented from the 1997 overall savings of the National Government. cdta

Funding for the succeeding years of implementation of the Monthly Incentive allowance Plan shall be incorporated in the regular budget of the PSC.

SECTION 5. Effectivity.—This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Seven.