House leader calls on Duterte to confer Philippine Legion of Honor on Hidilyn Diaz

Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar on Tuesday called on President Rodrigo Duterte to confer the Philippine Legion of Honor on Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

"It is high time to confer to the four-time Olympian the Philippine Legion of Honor (Lehiyong Pandangal ng Pilipinas) for her heart-warming victory and for uplifting national glory and pride in the world sports stage," Villar said in House Resolution No. 2020.

Villar said Diaz, a weightlifter, provided the opportunity for Filipinos to be inspired by her hard work and determination. She stressed that Diaz is also a symbol of hope and unity and brought national honor before the international arena.

The Philippine Legion of Honor, considered the highest award the President can bestow without the need for approval by Congress, is conferred upon civilians or members of the military, Filipino or foreign, in recognition of valuable and meritorious service in relation to military affairs of the Philippines, according to Villar.

Diaz bagged the country's first-ever gold medal in the Olympics after winning the women's 55-kg weightlifting event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Monday at the Tokyo International Forum.

Her historic win ended a near century-long Olympic gold medal drought since the Philippines first competed in the games in 1924. —KBK, GMA News