PSC reinstates cyclists’ allowances

MANILA, Philippines – The national cycling team will now be receiving their regular allowances again after getting deprived for the last six months due to a leadership dispute within the cycling association. This after Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping recognized the legitimacy of Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) president Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino and subsequently reinstated the allowances of the cyclists his group endorsed. The riders will start to get their allowances beginning this month. “The mere fact that they (Tolentino’s group) have the recognition of their international federation (UCI), it only means that they are the legal and the official national sport association of cycling in the country," Angping explained. Aside from restoring the team’s privileges to receive allowances from the government, Angping also ordered the turn over of the velodrome facilities at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City to PhilCycling for use by the RP track cyclists. The PSC had earlier cut off the RP riders’ allowances due to the power struggle at PhilCycling, a policy it implements on other national sports associations with similar problem. But like PhilCycling, Angping promised to reinstate the allowances of all the national athletes in the other troubled NSAs as well once their legitimate leaders are established. Tolentino’s claim to presidency is being contested by a rival group that has businessman Mikee Romero as president. Tolentino enjoys recognition from the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the PSC while Romero and Co. have the blessing from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). - GMANews.TV