SENATOR Pia Cayetano has filed a measure seeking to establish a Magna Carta for Student-Athletes to provide comprehensive protection, recognition, and support for young Filipinos balancing academic responsibilities and competitive sports.

Cayetano said her Senate Bill 349 is anchored on Article XIV, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the State to promote physical education and encourage sports programs to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for a healthy and alert citizenry.

“Student-athletes embrace the demanding dual role of being both a student and an athlete, striving for excellence in both the classroom and on the field,” Cayetano said in her explanatory note.

“This bill seeks to give them the comprehensive support they need to thrive in both arenas,” she added.

The proposed law builds on the Student-Athletes Protection Act and addresses long-standing challenges faced by student-athletes, including academic development, participation in amateur sports, and safeguarding their mental and physical health.

Under the measure, schools and accredited athletic associations would be mandated to uphold the amateur nature of sports programs and competitions, ensure equal opportunities, and prohibit discriminatory policies that restrict student-athletes from participating in their chosen amateur sports.

The bill also emphasizes the duty of educational institutions and sports bodies to protect student-athletes from physical harm, discrimination, and any infringement of their rights, while fostering an environment that nurtures both athletic potential and academic achievement.

Cayetano first introduced the proposal in the 16th Congress, stressing that its passage would not only safeguard the welfare of student-athletes but also help produce disciplined, well-rounded citizens.