Marcos meets Pinoy Olympic gymnasts, golfer, hands over P1M each

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday handed over P1 million each to three Filipino gymnasts and a golfer who joined in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics.

Wearing a black jacket, Marcos gave the cash incentives during his meet and greet with Filipino Olympians — golfer Dottie Ardina and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi-Jung Ruivivar.

In an interview, the President explained that the athletes were not immediately informed about the first welcome ceremony for the Filipino Olympians.

“Baka nagtataka kayo na mayroon kaming extra. Baka nagtataka kayo ba't mayroon kaming extra event after the ---dumating na ’yung mga ibang Olympian ay dahil noong nagpa-reception kami dito, wala sila, nagbabiyahe, at nagka-mix up,” Marcos told Palace reporters.

(Maybe you are thinking why there’s an extra event for them. It’s because when we had a reception for the athletes, they were already traveling and there has been a mix-up.)

“Huli na 'yung pagkasabi sa kanila. Hindi na sila nakauwi,” he added.

(They were informed late and they were not able to go home.)

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the four athletes were not able to attend the ceremony last week at the Malacañang Palace.

Aside from the cash reward from the President, the athletes also received P1 million each from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Earlier, PCO Assistant Secretary Dale de Vera clarified that five Filipino Olympians were flown directly to their next competition after the Paris Olympics amid the issue that they were not invited to the welcome ceremony.

Meanwhile, in the event, golfer Bianca Pagdanganan was also recognized. She was not able to attend as she is already training overseas.

Marcos further expressed elation in acknowledging the Filipino gymnasts and golfer.

“We’re happy we were able to do something extra for those that did not make it to the first round,” Marcos said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News