Duterte on PH’s SEA Games win: I have something to brag about at ASEAN meet

President Duterte was visibly elated as he led Wednesday night the ceremonial turnover of checks to the Filipino athletes who participated in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying he now has something to brag about when he meets his fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders.

Duterte made the statement as he welcomed the 547

athletes to Malacañang and conferred on them the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kamagi for helping the Philippines emerge victorious in the SEA Games held in the country from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbors in Southeast Asia,” he said.

“Alam mo, malaking bagay ito sa akin (You know, this is a big thing for me). Whenever we meet in the ASEAN, taas noo ako kasi sabihin ko (I will hold my head high because I will tell them), ‘Wala man ‘yang mga athletes niyo, mahina man (Your athletes are weak)!’” he added.

Duterte said the blood, sweat, and tears the athletes shed were inspiring, saying he wanted to shout whenever a Filipino athlete won during the SEA Games.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, rank of Kamagi is conferred upon “individuals who have actively participated in and contributed significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”

By law, a gold medal fetches 1300,000; silver, 1150,000; and

bronze 160,000. Duterte also said that

million will be given to the athletes, while the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) will be giving them million.

Duterte also said athletes should not shoulder their own food and that he will find a way to increase their allowances, asking them in jest if

1250,000 would be enough.

“I’ll try to talk things with Congress. Yung allowance ninyo, dapat yung pagkain libre na. Yung allowance ninyo, dapat allowance na ninyo ‘yan (Your food should be free. Your allowance should be yours to keep),” Duterte said.

“Siguro isang atleta mag-training–magkano ang allowance? Mga

1250,000 a month okay na siguro ‘yan (How much is the allowance of a training athlete? Maybe 1250,000 per month is enough already),” he added, getting cheers from the athletes.

“Hold-up-in ko pa sarili nating bangko (I’ll even rob our own bank). Anyway, we’ll try to raise the money,” he continued.

The Philippine contingent was hailed the overall champion of the biennial regional sports event with a record-breaking 387 medals consisting of 149 gold medals, 117 silvers, and 121 bronzes.