The Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list on Wednesday said it will lobby for the institutionalization of automatic free insurance coverage for all Filipino athletes competing in international events in the next Congress.
PBA Party-list spokesperson Atty. Migs Nograles said they aim to establish an insurance fund for national athletes competing in any international professional sports competition, including world championships, that will cover medical expenses, travel insurance, and disability and death benefits, among others.
The Davaoeña lawyer said providing insurance benefits to athletes would give them and their families peace of mind and would remove a potential cause of distraction for the competing athletes.
“Athletes always face an inherent risk of injury, ang sometimes even death, everytime they compete. Because regardless of how well they’ve trained, accidents sometimes do happen, and we want to be prepared in the event that the unexpected does happen,” Nograles said.
“Minsan nga hindi pa sa mismong competition nangyayari ‘yung aksidente. Pwedeng papunta o pabalik habang nagta-travel, saka nagka-aksidente. ‘Yung mga ganitong scenario ang gusto nating i-cover,” she added.
The Davaoeña lawyer said providing insurance benefits to athletes would give them and their families peace of mind and would remove a potential cause of distraction for the competing athletes.
“We want to avoid the scenario na kapag may nangyaring masama, hindi alam ng athletes natin o ng pamilya nila kung saan sila kukuha ng pera pambayad ng mga gastusin sa pagpapagamot, o ‘di kaya pera pangsuporta sa naulilang pamilya if the worst does happen,” she said.
“Because regardless of how well they’ve trained, accidents sometimes do happen, and we want to be prepared in the event that the unexpected does happen.”
Nograles said their proposed legislation would cover all professional Fiilipino athletes or athletes who are Filipino citizens to be given monetary compensation for participating in a game, bout, contest, or tournament of any professional sport accredited and recognized by the Games and Amusement Board.
“This is just one way of giving back to our athletes who bring prestige and honor to our country – a token of our appreciation for all their hard work and sacrifices,” she said.
