Even before Bambol Tolentino defeated Clint Aranas in the election as Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president, athletes received a win for themselves.

“The senate, through my lobby with my brother [Francis Tolentino] and Senator Migs [Zubiri], napasok na po ang budget sa PSC. Zero budget sila kahapon,” said PhilCycling chief Tolentino.

“May pumasok na nine-hundred plus million.”

The sports commission strived to find a budget for its athletes throughout the year as the ongoing pandemic hit the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation hard.

The additional P900-M funds are a much-needed help for Philippine sports since 2021 is a busy calendar year for our athletes.

Of course, the focus will be on the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics set from July 23 to August 8.

National athletes are loaded with upcoming continental tournaments next year, with the Asian Beach Games happening from April 2-8 in Sanya, China; the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games from April 24 to May 5 in Pattaya, Thailand; and the Asian Youth Games from November 20-28 in Shantou, China.

Then there’s the 31st Southeast Asian Games to close out the year from November 21 to December 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

On the other hand, Tolentino defeated Aranas, 30-22, in the balloting among 53 heads of national sports associations (NSAs).

While Al Panlilio of basketball and Richard Gomez of fencing were voted first and second vice president, respectively. Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics won as treasurer along with Chito Loyzaga of baseball who got the post as the auditor.

In addition, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, Pearl Managuelod, Charlie Ho, and Dave Carter took the four seats in the executive board.