A TRIUMPH for Philippine sports.
That’s how Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao described his decade-long legal battle in the Supreme Court that resulted in an additional funding of around P7-billion a year for the Filipino athletes.
In a well-applauded speech during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, Guaio claimed he pursued the battle which ended with a Supreme Court decision mandating the government, thru the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to remit five percent of their gross income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with only the athletes’ welfare on mind.
“This could cignal a rebirth of Philippine sports. From my estimate, it could be around P7 billion a year in additional funds for the next 10 years in our sports program. That’s a lot of money,” said Guiao after receiving the PSA President’s Award at the Diamond Hotel Manila on Monday.
A former lawmaker from Pampanga, Guiao expressed confidence that both the PSC, headed by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), led by President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, will make good use of the additional funding to improve Philippine sports.
“I have full trust and confidence with the PSC and POC leadership, pati na sa ating mga sports federations. Malaki ang tiwala ko na we have the same desire to improve local sports,” the 66-year-old Guiao told a star-studded audience that included Gregorio and PSC commissioners Fritz Gaston, Olivia “Bong” Coo and Walter Torres and executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy and PSA “Athlete of the Year” awardee and two-time Paris Olympics gold medalist Caloy Yulo.
“Sumuntok tayo sa buwan, pero paminsan-minsan tatamaan ninyo yung buwan,” said Guiao, while acknowledging the support of Atty. Jun Guzman and executive director Mon Navarro.
“To take away billions of funds from the Office of the President was political suicide. But maybe somebody has to commit political suicide so that Philippine sports can breathe some fresh air.”
“It’s been a 10-year battle. Minsan nga mawawalan ka na ng pag-asa dahil masyado matagal. It’s really difficult to fight this fight without resources. Mabuti may tumulong sa akin na isang lawyer at ang aking executive assistant when I was in congress. We were able to continue the battle. Ang benefit nito mapupunta lahat sa ating mga athletes,” said the seven-time PBA champion.
Added Guiao: “This is my way of paying it forward. Sports has given me a good life. It has given me material things, wisdom and knowledge, great experiences.The best way to pay it forward was to stake my reputation in pursuing this case.”
“The SC decision was a victory for sports, kaya sana dumami pa ang mga Caloy Yulo, dumami pa ang mga Hidilyn Diaz dumami pa ang mga Alex Eala at EJ Obiena. And I will be satisfied to have played a small part in that.”
Guiao also thanked the PSA for recognizing his efforts.
“This is not only the biggest achievement of my legislative work, but the biggest achievement of my work in general. I don’t think that winning even a PBA championship will have the same impact as bringing in P7 billion a year of funds to support Philippine sports.”
Gregorio, who urged the crowd to give Guiao a standing ovation, shared the limelight by winning the PSA Executive of the Year honor.
Yulo and tennis sweetheart Alex Eala were honored as the “Athletes of the Year.”
Yulo, who bagged the same award last year, personally received his trophy accompanied by Cynthia Carrion, whose Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) earned the NSA of the Year.
Tennis official Dyan Castillo received the award on behalf of Eala, who is currently playing in the Dubai.
Nine-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer was voted as Mr. Basketball, while Bryan Bagunas and Bella Belen were named Mr. and Ms. Volleyball, respectively.
Golf hero Frankie Miñoza was inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame.
Lifetime Achievement awards were given to Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella, Elorde Famil, referee Romy Guevarra, Milo Checkmate founder Mila Emperado, and the 1991 Philippine Davis Cup team.
Also getting special awards were the Philippine Basketball Association, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Fil-Am Golf Invitational, sportsman Mikee Romero, Alas Pilipinas men’s team, Alas women’s beach volleyball team, Philippine women’s football team, BPI/Globe, and Arena Plus.
The other major awardees were EJ Obiena (pole vault), Annie Ramirez (jiu-jitsu), the Philippine Men’s Curling team, Chezka Centeno (billiards), Carlo Biado (billiards), Jonas Magpantay (billiards), Pedro Taduran (pro boxing), Melvin Jerusalem (pro boxing), and Miguel Tabuena (golf).
Given special citation were GM Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (chess), Jemaica Mendoza (chess), Darry Bernardo (chess), Cheyzer Mendonza (chess), Jennifer Tan (triathlon), Regie Ramirez (powerlifting), Joshua Pacio (MMA), Rubilen Amit (billiards), Carlos Baylon (wushu), Philippine women’s hockey team, Kira Ellis (triathlon), Sean Gibbons, Obiena (athletics), Hokett Delos Santos (athletics), John Tolentino (athletics), Hussein Loraña (athletics), Naomi Cesar (athletics), Eumir Marcial (boxing), Philippine baseball team (Gilas Pilipinas Men, Gilas Women, Bowling Men’s taem, Sibol (Esports), John Ivan Cruz (gymnastics), Aleah Finnegan (gymnastics), Jasmine Ramilio (gymnastics), Dean Roxas (jiu jitsu), Kimberly Custodio (jiu jitsu), Philippine mixed judo team, Chony Sy-Tancontian (judo), Zyra Bon-as (kickboxing), Geli Bulaong (mixed martial arts), Melvin Sacay and Michael Ver Comaling (modern pentathlon), Islay Bomogao and LJ Rafael Yasay (muay thai), Erin Mattea Micor, Rolly Nathaniel Tecson, Edcel John Ginoand Genesis Pible (practical shooting), Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon (rowing), Dhenver John Castillo (sailing), Peter Groseclose (short-track speed skating), Mazel Paris Alegado and Jericho Francisco Jr. (skateboarding), Blu Boys (softball), Blu Girls (softball), Philippine women’s 4x100m freestyle relay and Kayla Sanchez (swimming), Justin Kobe Macario and Taichana Mangin (taekwondo), Alex Eala (tennis), Kim Mangrobang, Kira Ellis and Raven Faith Alcoseba (triathlon), Inaki Emil Lorbes, Fernando Jose Casares and Matthew Justine Hermosa (Triathlon), ,Elreen Ann Ando (weightlifting), Gabriel Thomas Dinette (wrestling), Jones Llabres Inso and Agatha Wong (wushu).
Recipients of the Tony Siddayao trophies were Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing), Royce Wayne Padua (bowling), Jemaicah Yap Mendoza (chess), Gian Karlo Arca (chess), Zach Guico (golf), Nicole Gan (golf), Karl Eldrew Yulo (gymnastics), Bailey Heinsohn (jiu-jitsu), Aerra JC Mae Relano (squash), Behrouz Mojdeh (swimming), Sophia Garra (swimming), Titus Sia (swimming), Patricia Mae Santor (swimming), Tenny Madis (tennis), Jhodie Peralta (weightlifting) and Jay-R Colonia (weightlifting).
PBA player JR Quiñahan received the Humanitarian Award for his heroism during the devastation of Typhoon Tino in Cebu.
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