2015 law grants Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz P5M

A law signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2015 grants Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who won a silver medal at the ongoing 2016 Rio Olympics, P5 million in cash incentives. 

Republic Act (RA) 10699, otherwise known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, provides that athletes who snatched silver medals in individual events at the Summer Olympics will get P5 million. 

The amount is double than the P2.5 million in cash incentives provided for under the repealed RA 9064 enacted in 2001. 

Athletes who will win a gold medal for the Philippines at the Summer Olympics are entitled to P10 million and an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor, while bronze medalists will get P2 million. 

Under the law, national athletes and coaches are also granted a 20-percent discount on transportation, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants, and purchase of medicine and sports equipment for their actual and exclusive use.

They are also provided with free medial consultations in government hospitals, insurance coverage, and a comprehensive social security program. 

Malacañang had extended its congratulations to Diaz, as it recognized the “end of medal drought” for the Philippines. 

Diaz’s victory is a first since Olympic medal since Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco's silver medal for boxing at the 1996 Atlanta games. 

The Filipina athlete lifted 88 kilograms in the snatch, and 112 kilograms in the clean and jerk, for an overall lift of 200 kilograms.  — RSJ, GMA News