PSC guarantees all natl athletes get discount IDS

THE last batch of 300 of the 1,6000-strong national team members are bound to receive their Philippine National Sports Team ID cards and booklets that would entitle them to 20-percent discounts in practically all of their essential needs.

Manuel Vitog, chief of the Assistance and Coordination Division of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), said the ID cards and booklets would be delivered by mail to each and every one of the athletes to their respective homes.

“It took some time for the PSC to deliver the ID cards and booklets because most of the athletes had the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex [Manila] and Philsports Complex [Pasig City] as their mailing addresses,” Vitog said.

“Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to find out their addresses because all of them were sent home because of the quarantine,” Vitog added. “By the third week this month, the athletes’ IDS and booklets would be all accounted for.”

The discount privilege falls under

Republic Act 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act [Republic Act 10699]” through the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Revenue Resolution 13 (series of 2020).

PSC Chairman William Ramirez said the discount privilege comes during these difficult times during the pandemic.

“We have always been supportive of our athletes and coaches and we hope this privilege help ease their burdens caused by Covid-19,” Ramirez said.

Women’s world boxing champion Nesthy Petecio and Olympic marathoner Mary Joy Tabal expressed their gratitude to the PSC on facebook.

“Thank you PSC! Unexpected delivery! May 20 percent discount na ako nito,” Petecio said.

Tabal posted: “National Athlete privilege, excited to avail this! Thank you Philippine Sports Commission for making this possible. “

Covered by the discount program are transportation, hotels and restaurants, medicine purchases and even leisure activities.