Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading the bill which seeks tax exemption on rewards and other benefits given to national athletes and coaches competing in international sports events.
House Bill 9990 or the “Hidilyn Diaz Act,” named after the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
If passed into law, the rewards, emoluments, donations, gifts, and other such incentives given to athletes and coaches will be free from all taxes and fees levied by any government agency.
In pushing for the measure, principal author Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda earlier said it is a “way to express the State’s solidarity and congratulations” for those representing the country in competitions abroad.
The bill also provides for the retroactivity of the exemptions to cover benefits received beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
The measure is a consolidated version of House bills similarly honoring athletes through tax relief, which were filed following the victories of Filipinos in the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics, including the historic win of weightlifter Diaz.
