RA 10699: National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act

Section 4. Benefits and Privileges for National Athletes and Coaches. – Any national athlete and coach, as defined herein and who is currently registered as such, shall be entitled to the following:

  1. The grant of twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments relative to the utilization of transportation services, hotels and other lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and purchase of medicine and sports equipment anywhere in the country for the actual and exclusive use or enjoyment of the national athlete and coach;

  2. Minimum of twenty percent (20%) discount on admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals, and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement for the actual and exclusive use and enjoyment of the national athlete and coach;

  3. Free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals and similar establishments anywhere in the country;

  4. Coverage in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHILHEALTH) through the sponsored program of the PSC;

  5. A comprehensive social security program to be formulated by the Social Security System within one hundred eighty (180) days from the approval of this Act;

  6. Priority in existing livelihood programs being undertaken by various government agencies subject to the guidelines and qualifications by the implementing body;

  7. Priority in national housing programs, affordable “pabahay” loans and other housing opportunities subject to the guidelines and qualifications set by the National Housing Authority (NHA) or the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF); and

  8. Use of living quarters and training centers set up and maintained by the PSC for the exclusive use of national athletes while preparing and training for international competitions.

Such privately-owned establishments shall enjoy tax deductions equivalent to the discounts extended to the national athletes and coaches under paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof, subject to the rules and regulations to be issued by the Secretary of Finance, as recommended by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, within ninety (90) days upon the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to promulgate the rules” and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of aforementioned benefits.