Enduring half-month cut on their allowances in the last four months when its finances were channeled to the anti-pandemic campaign at the onset of the pandemic, members of the Philippine pool will finally receive what they used to get—thanks to the passing of the Bayanihan Act 2.

Tolentino said the passing of the Bayanihan Act 2 provides funds for the country’s sports program including an insertion worth P180 million for the national team members allowances.

“This is good news for our athletes who have become anxious and even lost their focus during the pandemic,” said Tolentino, who helped push for the Bayanihan Act 2 in Congress.

“And that’s retroactive from July,” he added, the welcome package will include a retroactive two-month worth of stipend where they will receive the 50 percent that was cut from their allowances and a one-time P5,000 pandemic assistance.

“The funds are now with the PSC and we expect the allowances to be back to normal on the next payday for the athletes and coaches,” Tolentino said.

Under the PSC payroll are 996 athletes, 262 coaches, and 362 athletes and coaches from the para pool. The total monthly payroll is P41 million.

“It pains me and the POC, and even the PSC, to see the athletes and coaches suffer. After their historic and impressive performance in the 30th SEA Games where we emerged as overall champions, the athletes and coaches deserve nothing less,” said Tolentino.