Senators laud weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for gold-winning performance in Asian Games

Senators congratulated weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games being held in Jakarta, Indoneisa.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said he will be filing a resolution commending Diaz and the rest of the Filipino medalists in the Asian Games.

“Tayo po ay nakikiisa sa milyon-milyong Pilipinong nagbubunyi sa pagkapanalo ni Hidilyn. She once again showcased the Filipino fighting spirit. She deserves all the support in recognition of the honor she continues to bring to our country,” Angara said in a press statement.

For snatching the gold medal, Diaz is entitled to a P2-million cash incentive from the government under Republic Act 10699 which increased the amount of cash incentives and expanded the benefits given to winning athletes, coaches and trainers.

Angara said he believes Diaz would use the amount, just like in the past, to help her colleagues.

“Ginugol niya sa pagpapatayo ng isang weightlifting training facility sa kanyang bayan sa Zamboanga ang napanalunan niya noon. Ito ay para matulungan ang mga kababayan niya na nangangarap din maging world-class na atleta tulad niya. Tayo po’y nakatitiyak na muling gagamitin ni Hidilyn ang kanyang napanalunan sa isang napaka-makabuluhang paraan,” he said.

Prior to Diaz’s feat, the Philippines has won four bronze medals in the Asian Games .

Senator Joel Villanueva used the hastag puso to congratulate Diaz.

“Yahooooo! Gold for the PH????????Mabuhay ka Hidilyn! God bless the Philippines! #AsianGames2018 #puso #Vpositive."

Other senators such as Joseph Victor Ejercito, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and Senate President Vicente Sotto III took to Twitter to laud Diaz.

Congratulations @diaz_hidilyn! ??#LabaPilipinas #AsianGame2018 #TeamPilipinas pic.twitter.com/bLFAJJiVTx

— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) August 21, 2018

Congratulations, Hidilyn Diaz for winning the Philippines' first gold medal in the #2018AsianGames. #PinoyPride pic.twitter.com/irkrbagVNf

— Bam Aquino (@bamaquino) August 22, 2018

Hurray HIDYLIN!!! Gold for PH

— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) August 21, 2018

In September 2016, Diaz received a cash reward form then-Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III for her silver medal in the Rio Olympics held that year. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News