CAGAYAN de Oro City— National athletes and accredited coaches can get 20% discounts on transportation, medicine, sports equipment, hotel stays and restaurant bills under a law that many eligible beneficiaries may not be using.
Republic Act 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, grants the discount to athletes and coaches who are currently registered with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The benefit covers transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants, recreation centers, and purchases of medicine and sports equipment for the athlete’s or coach’s actual and exclusive use.
They can also get at least 20% off admission fees at cinemas, theaters, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and similar leisure and entertainment venues.
To claim the discounts, beneficiaries must present a valid PSC identification card, which is renewable every year.
Who qualifies?
The law does not automatically cover everyone who competes in local or regional sports events.
It covers Filipino national athletes, including athletes with disabilities, who are members of the national training pool, recognized and accredited by the PSC and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), or the National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines for para-athletes, and who have represented the country in international competitions.
National coaches must also meet the law’s accreditation and registration requirements.
Other benefits athletes can claim
Beyond commercial discounts, qualified national athletes and coaches are entitled to free medical and dental consultations at government hospitals and similar establishments.
They are also covered by the National Health Insurance Program through the PSC’s sponsored program and given priority in government livelihood and housing programs, subject to the requirements of the agencies concerned.
National athletes preparing for international competitions may also use living quarters and training centers maintained by the PSC.
Cash incentives for international medalists
The law also provides cash incentives to national athletes and other qualified athletes who win medals in international competitions.
The amounts vary according to the competition and medal earned, with Olympic gold medalists receiving the highest incentives.
Coaches who personally trained medal-winning athletes for at least six months before the competition may receive 50% of the athlete’s cash incentive.
Athletes who win in international competitions, and coaches who trained winning athletes, may also qualify for a retirement benefit equivalent to 25% of their total career cash incentives, subject to the law’s conditions.
Businesses face penalties for refusing discounts
Establishments that refuse to grant the discounts covered by the law may face fines or imprisonment.
For a first violation, the penalty is a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000, imprisonment of six months to two years, or both, at the court’s discretion.
For subsequent violations, the fine increases to ₱100,000 to ₱200,000, with imprisonment of two to six years, or both.
Private establishments that grant the discounts may claim equivalent tax deductions, subject to applicable tax rules.
For eligible athletes and coaches, knowing the law and carrying a valid PSC ID can help them claim benefits intended to support their sporting careers and everyday needs.
