Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousEBiLLNo.   9257
Introduced  by:  Rep.  Keith  Micah "Atty.  Mike"  D.L.  Tan
AN ACT
TO    PROMOTE    SPORTS     DEVELOPMENT    THROUGH     RESPONSIBLE    AUTONOMY    OF
NATIONAL  SPORTS  ASSOCIATIONS   (NSAs)  AND  TO   STRENGTHEN   THE   ROLE   OF  THE
STATE  IN  THEIR  GOVERNANCE  AND  MANAGEMENT  TO  MAKE  THEM  MORE  RESPONSIVE
T0  THE  GOAL  OF  FOSTERING  PHYSICAL  FITNESS,  SELF-DISCIPLINE,  TEAMWORK  AND
EXCELLENCE  FOR THE  DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTHY AND ALERT CITIZENRY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article  11,  Section  17  of the  1987  Philippine  Constitution  provides  that  "The  State  shall  give
priority  to  education,   science  arid  technology,   arts,   culture,   and  sports  to  foster  patriotism   and
nationalism,  accelerate social  progress,  and promote total human liberation and development";
Article  XIV,   Section   19  declares  that  "The   State   shall   promote   physical   education   and
encourage   sports   programs,   league   competitions,   and   amateur   sports,   including   training   for
international competitions, to foster self-discipline,  teamwork,  and excellence for the development of
a  healthy and  alert citizenry.
All  educational  institutions  shall  undertake  regular sports  activities throughout the  country  in
cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors";
Pursuant to the  aforesaid  Constitutional  mandates,  Republic Act (R.A.)  No.  6847,  otherwise
known  as  "The  Philippine  Sports  Commission  Act",  provides  that  "It  is  the  policy  of  the  State  to
promote  physical  education,  encourage  and  sustain  the  development  of  sports  in  the  country  to
foster  physical  fitness,  self-discipline,  teamwork  and  excellence  for  the  development  of  a  healthy
and alert citizenry through a unified  national sports promotion and development program XXX".
Section   13   of   R.A.   6846   states   that   "National   sports   associations,   organized   for  their
respective  sports  in  the  Philippines  and/or  affiliated  with  their  respective  international  federations
which  are   recognized   by  the   International  Olympic  Committee,   are  recognized   as  such   by  the
Commission".
NSAs,  as  provided  by  law,  are  autonomous,  recognized  by  the  PSC,  and  have  exclusive
technical  control  over  the  promotion  and  development  of  the  particular  sport  for  which  they  are
organized.  However, they are subject to the supervisory and visitorial powers of the PSC.
Among  the functions,  powers,  duties  and  responsibilities  of the  NSAs  include  among  others
the conduct of competitions for the promotion of their respective sports,  decision  on  all questions on
the  amateur  status  and  discipline  of the  athletes  and  officials  connected  with  the  associations  as
well  as the  members thereof and  all disputes between  members,  selection  of the athletes,  coaches
and  other officials  for their  national  teams,  keeping  of accurate  records  of all  official  marks,  scores
and  results  attained  by  the  athletes  in  the  associations  in  all  competitions,  as well  as  all  results  of


sports  competitions,  and  qualifying  and  licensing  of referees,  umpires  and  other game officials who
shall officiate in  competitions  in their respective sports.
As  the  local  governing  body  for  a  given  sport  or  its  related  sports  that  organizes  events,
promulgates  the  rules,  promotes  the  sport to  fans,  and  develops  and  recruits  the  national  players
and   coaches,   NSAs   play   a   primordial   role   in  the   local   sports  system,   specifically   in   fostering
patriotism  and  nationalism,  accelerating  social  progress,  and  promoting  total  human  liberation  and
development as well  as self-discipline,  teamwork,  and  excellence for the development of a  healthy
and alert citizenry.
However,  there was  an  observation  that  "Sport federations  are  almost  always  a  monopoly.
There   appears   to   be   a   lack   of   supervision,    consequences,   and   a   lack   of   competition   or
alternatives."1
lt  has  been  said  as  well  that  the  concept  of  sports  autonomy  that  NSAs  enjoy  is  being
abused  and  brandished  whenever  convenient  and  is  being  used  "as  a  blanket  authority  against
Athletes and Coaches if they so much disagree or ask for what is rightly theirs in the first place."2
As  the  country  continues  to  grapple  with  the  fallout  of many  controversies  involving  NSAs:
Filipino-American  figure  skater Melissa  Bulanhagui's  snub  by  the  Philippine  Skating  Union  (Phsu)
in   20133;    former   two-time   Olympian    Donald    David    "Donnie"   Geisler   lll's   expulsion   from   the
Philippine Taekwondo Association  (PTA)  in  20204;  Ernest John  "EJ"  Obiena's  rift with the  Philippine
Athletics   Track  and   Field  Association   (PATAFA)   in   20225,   and   recently,   sports   analyst   Chino
Trinidad's   accusations   of   mismanagement   and   favoritism   by   the   officials   of   the   Samahang
Basketbol   ng   Pilipinas   (SBP)  towards   a  coach   of  the  Gilas   Pilipinas   national   basketball  team6,
among others, this measure seeks to strengthen  PSC's  monitoring and oversight functions over the
NSAs   with   the   end   in   view   of  making   them   more   responsible,   transparent,   and   accountable,
especially  because  the  "majority  of the  Philippine  NSA's  remain  totally  reliant  and  constrained  by
the  amount  of support  it  receives.  Their  situation  is  made worse  by the  highly  politicized  nature  of
Philippine sports and the bias of corporate sponsors towards the more "popular" sports. . ."7
1      Sport     federations:     The     monopoly     that     leads     to     countless     abuse     victims
(https://twistingthoughts.com/2021/10/14/sport-federations-the-monopoly-that-leads-to-
countless-abuse-victims»
2  The  Vvhat  and  Why  of  the   POC,   PSC,   and  the   NSAs,   Sports   Management  Council   of  the
Philippines,    May    22,    2015    (https://\^AVw.sportphil.com/the-what-and-why-of-the-Doc-psc-and-the-
nsas-Dart-1» Accessed on 08 September 2023
3  Champion  skater frozen  out,  The  Game  of My  Life,  Bill  Velasco,  September 23,  2013,  Philippine
Star    (https://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/09/23/1237224/champion-skater-frozen-out)    Accessed
on  10 September 2023
4   `Persona   non   grata':   Olympian   Donald   Geisler   expelled   from   PH   taekwondo   body,   Dennis
Gasgonia,            ABS-CBN             News,             September.          22,             2020            (httDs://news.abs-
cbn.com/sports/09/22/20/persona-non-arata-olympian-donald-aeisler-expelled-from-ph-taekwondo-
!gdy,) Accessed on 07 September 2023
5    PATAFA    vs    Obiena:    The    mess    no    one    needed,    January    5,    2022,    Ariel    lan    Clarito
(https://\^AVw.rappler.com/sports/patafa-vs-ei-obiena-mess-no-one-needed/)       Accessed       on       11
September 2023
6   `Konsintindor':   Chino   Trinidad   calls   out   SBP   officials   for   alleged   bias   for   `coach   Voldemort',
September    8,     2023     (https://politics.com.ph/2023/09/08/konsintindor-chino-trinidad-calls-out-sbp-
officials-for-alleaed-bias-for-coach-voldemort/) Accessed on  10 September 2023
7 The  Philippine  Taekwondo Association  Experience:  Developing  a  model  of spert governance  and
sustainability   for   National   Sports   Associations,   Geraldine   Bemardo   ,    De   La   Salle   University
(Accessed on 07 September 2023)


Amid  the  country's  continued  promotion  of itself as  a  rising  developing  country  in  the  world
while  simultaneously  improving  key  aspects  such  as  the  development  of  our  national  athletes  to
their  full   potential,   and  in  order  to  bolster  the  caliber  of  our  national  athletes  and  promote  the
development  of  sports  in  the  country,  the  bill  seeks  to  institute  governmental  oversight  over  the
NSAs through  monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
Likewise,    it   mandates   all    NSAs   to   craft   their   respective   roadmaps   for   the   national
development   and   excellence   of  their  respective   sports   and   provides  for  the   establishment  of
Safeguarding   Committees   to   safeguard   participants   in   the   sporting   environment   from   abuse,
harassment,  and game fixing that undermine both the mental and physical health of participants and
the  integrity of sport.
Moreover,  it  provides  for the  adoption  of  appropriate  programs  and  mechanisms  to  uphold
the integrity of sports and the promulgation of a performance-based incentive scheme that will serve
as the basis for extending financial assistance to NSAs.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the  Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
H6usEBiLLNo.    9257
Introduced  by:  Rep.  Keith  Micah "Atty.  Mike"  D.L.  Tan
AN ACT
TO     PROMOTE    SPORTS    DEVELOPMENT    THROUGH     RESPONSIBLE    AUTONOMY    OF
NATIONAL  SPORTS  ASSOCIATIONS   (NSAs)  AND  TO  STRENGTHEN   THE   ROLE   OF  THE
STATE  IN  THEIR  GOVERNANCE  AND  MANAGEMENT  TO  MAKE  THEM  MORE  RESPONSIVE
TO  THE  GOAL  OF  FOSTERING  PHYSICAL  FITNESS,  SELF-DISCIPLINE,  TEAMWORK  AND
EXCELLENCE  FOR THE  DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTHY AND ALERT CITIZENRY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress assembled:
SECTION  1.  I/.f/e.  -This Act shall  be known as the "NSAs Governance Act".
SEC.  2.  Dec/araf/.on of po/t.cy.  -The State  recognizes the  potential  of local governing  bodies
of  sports  or  their  related  sports  in  promoting  physical  education,  encouraging  and  sustaining  the
development   of  sports   in   the   country   to   foster   physical   fitness,   self-discipline,   teamwork   and
excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.
Towards this end, the State shall ensure that:
(a) The  operations of NSAs are  rationalized  and  monitored  centrally to  promote sports good
governance;
(b)  The  management  of NSAs  is  carried  out  in  a transparent,  responsible  and  accountable
manner and with the utmost degree of professionalism and effectiveness; and
(c) The NSAs are competent to carry out its functions, fully accountable to the State and acts
in the best interest of the State.
SEC.  3.  Monttoring  and  Overst.ghf  of IVSAs.  -  Notwithstanding  the  pertinent  provisions  of
Republic Act No.  6847,  otherwise known as the "The Philippine Sports Commission Act",  the PSC is
hereby  mandated to  serve  as the  central  advisory,  monitoring,  and  oversight  body with  authority to
formulate,  implement  and  coordinate  policies.  It  shall  serve  as  an  impartial  and  fair  hearing  body
regarding   disputes   between   the   athletes,   coaches,   and   their   NSAs.   The   PSC   shall   have  the
following  powers and functions:
(a)    Establish   a   sport-specific   performance   evaluation   systems   including    performance
scorecards for all NSAs;
(b)  Conduct  periodic study,  examination,  assessment and  evaluation  of NSAs,  receive  and
require reports on the operations and management of the NSAs including,  but not limited to:
(1)  Policies,  priorities  and direction;
(2)  Sports promotion and development programs;


(3)  Training  programs;
(4)  Qualifying tournaments that serve as basis for inclusion of athletes in the national roster;
(5)  Selection of the athletes,  coaches and other officials for national teams;
(6)  Preparations for international competjtjons;
(7)  Competition guidelines and scoring system;
(8)  Methods of appeals and protests in sports competitions;
(9)  Dispute resolution  mechanism;
(10)       Accurate records of all official  marks,  scores and  results attained  by the athletes in all
competitions duly sanctioned by the NSAs;
(11)       All  results  of sports  competitions  and  other relevant  matters  involving  the  conduct of
competitions for the promotion of their respective sports;  and
(12)       Such   other  information   that  the   PSC   shall   require   such   as  those   regarding   the
adoption and enforcement of Sports Integrity Program.
(c) Coordinate and monitor the operations of NSAs,  ensuring alignment and consistency with
the national sports development policies and  programs.
SEC.   4.   Establishment   of   Safeguarding   Committees.   -   The   PSC   shall   establ.ish   a
Safeguarding Committee as may be appropriate for each  NSA. The Committee shall be responsible
for the formulation  and  implementation  of a  Safeguarding  Program  to  safeguard  participants  in  the
sporting  environment  from  abuse,  harassment,  and  game  machinations  that  undermine  both  the
mental and physical health of participants and the integrity of the sport.
The  Program  shall  include the following activities:
(a)  Determination  of  inappropriate  and  harmful  behaviors  which  constitute  misconduct  and
threaten the sport's core values;
(b)  Formulation    of   processes,    procedures,    and    decision-making   through    independent
mechanisms for assessment,  investigation,  and adjudication;
(c)  Promotion  of  safe  environments  through  appropriate  inter-personal  behavior  and  best
practice   of   players,   coaches,   and   officials   in   their   respective   roles   in   the   sporting
environments;
(d)  Facilitation  of access to appropriate channels for reporting  concerns and to  psychosocial
support for affected parties;
(e)  Provision   of   knowledge,   resources   and   tools   in   the   development   of   safeguarding
capabilities within the  NSA;
(f)   Assistance  to  NSAs  in  enhancing  their  standard  operating  procedures  with  respect  to
abuse,  harassment, and game machinations;  and
(g)   Promotion   of   respect   to   the   NSA's   responsibility   to   provide   leadership   and   good
governance.


SEC.   5.   Sports   /nfegr7ty  Program.   -   Each   NSA   shall   adopt   and   enforce   appropriate
programs  and  mechanisms  to  uphold  the  integrity  of  the  sport  in  consultation  with  the  coaches,
athletes and  other stakeholders.  NSAs shall  implement anti-cheating  systems particularly those that
promote  fair  scoring   and   spectator-friendly  tournaments   and   prevent  the   incidence   of  bribery,
favoritism,  game  machination,  and  other forms of cheating that undermine the  integrity  of the sport,
especially those that victimize children.
SEC.  6.  Performance-Based /ncenf/.ve  Scheme.  - A  performance-based  incentive  scheme
shall  be  established  by  the  PSC  consistent  with  the  pertinent  provisions  of  this  Act  as  basis  for
extending financial assistance to NSAs.
SEC.   7.   Roadmap  for  Exoe//er}ce  of  the  IVSAs.   -  All   NSAs  shall   craft  their  respective
roadmaps for the  national  development and excellence of their own  sports,  which  shall  incorporate,
among   others,   programs   and   activities   for  grassroots   promotion,   identifying   potential   athletes,
assistance   for  trainings   and   competitions,   including   the   necessary   budgetary   requirements,   to
support  their  athletes'  full  development  in  both  the  national  and  international  arena,  with  special
programs   and  funding  for  those  with  the   potential   to   become  world-class   elite   athletes   in  the
Olympics and other international sports competitions.
NSAs  shall  set goals  on the  expansion  of their grassroots  programs  and  the  exposure  and
opportunities   for   their   respective   athletes   and   coaches   in   national   and    international   sports
competitions:  Provided,  That the  NSAs  shall  only  receive  financial  assistance  if their  roadmap  has
been  reviewed  by the PSC,  certifying its propriety and compliance with the following:
(a)  Sports   Development  and   Participation  for  All.   -   Promote   and   encourage   population-
based  participation  in sports and other physical activities, which shall  be the basis for the
development  of more  skilled  athletes.  Coordinate with  the  LGUs for programs  involving,
among others,  mass participation  in physical fitness activities;
(b)  Talent   Identification.   -   Promote   early   recognition   and   development   of  talented   and
exceptionally gifted  Filipino  athletes who  have demonstrated the  potential  of excelling  in
the field of sports;
(c)   Education  and  Sports.  -  In  coordination  with  various  educational  institutions,   including
the  National Academy for Sports (NAS), the  University of the  Philippines  (UP),  and  other
concerned   government   agencies,   and   non-government   organizations   (NGOs),   shall
ensure that highly talented  and  exceptionally gifted  students  are given the  opportunity to
pursue and excel in sports and have access to good quality education.
(d)  Sports   Scholarships   and   Grants.   -   Provide   scholarships   under   relevant   laws   to   all
qualified  athletes,  and  offer  grants  for  sports  science  research  to  build  the  knowledge
generation capacity of Filipino sports science.
(e)  Health  and Well-being.  -Ensure that the  health  of Filipino  athletes,  including their safety,
is  protected  at all times,  which  includes their physical,  mental,  and emotional well-being.
Secure   elite   Filipino   athletes'   access   to   proper   nutrition,   health   care   professionals,
including   free   or   subsidized   vitamins   and   medical   expense   coverage,   taking   into
consideration  the  budget  needed  for  emergency  situations,  such  as  athletes'  sports-
related   medical  examination  and   procedures,   as  well  as  strive  to  provide  the  same
benefits    for    athletes    in    grassroots    sports,     including    student-athletes,     in    direct
coordination with their educational institutions and other concerned agencies.
(f)    Infrastructure   and  Training   Facilities.   -   Ensure  that  all   Filipino   athletes   are  given  the
opportunity to  properly train  in  their  respective  sports,  by  providing  them  with  adequate


support   and   funding   to   train   in   safe   and   world-class   facjlitjes,   with   well-maintained
equipment,  including other items needed for training.
(g)  Amateur  to  National  Athlete  Support  -  Identify  the  gaps  and  address  the  issues  that
should  be  resolved  in order to  provide a  policy on the early recognition and development
of  potential  elite  athletes  by  providing  adequate  support  for  grassroots  athletes  and
training  them  to  become  potential  qualifiers  and  medalists  in  the  Olympics  and  other
international  events.   Proactively  coordinate  and  collaborate  with  concerned  agencies,
including  NGOs,  such as the  Philippine Olympic Committee.
(h)  Local   and   International  Competitions.   -   Plan  the   potential   sports   career  track  for  all
Filipino  athletes,  from  student to  amateur to  national  level,  including  the  promotion  of all
local and  international sports competitions.
(i)    Right  to  Join  Competitions  and/or  Represent the  Philippines.  -  Promote  and  safeguard
the    right   of   every   qualified    Filipino    athlete   to   join    local    and    international    sports
competitions,  by,  among  others,  protecting  them  from  unjustified  refusal  or  objection  by
their respective  NSAs or educational institutions, whichever is applicable.
0)   Welfare  of Athletes.  -  Incorporate  and  mandate  all  interested  parties  to  recognize  and
uphold  the  rights  and welfare  of all  Filipino  athletes,  at all times,  especially during  policy-
and decision-making.
(k)  Protection  of Athletes.  -Identification  of the prevalence of politicking,  patronage system,
nepotism, favoritism,  and game manipulation or cheating and formulation of effective and
efficient measures to counter these inimical practices.
(I)    Special  Benefits/Incentives/Privileges.  -  Ensure  that  all  qualified  athletes  and  coaches
shall  automatically  be  given  the  corresponding  benefits  and  incentives,  as  provided  by
Republic Act  No.10699,  or the  National  Athletes  and  Coaches  Benefits  and  Incentives
Act.
(in)Funding.   -Strengthen   the   framework  for  the   budgetary   requirements   of  all   Filipino
athletes,   depending   on  their  respective   needs  during  their  preparation,   training,   and
competitions.
(n)   Public-Private   Partnership.   -   Encourage   active   private   sector   participation   through,
among  others,  public-private  partnerships  that  would  enable  the  full  implementation  of
the  twenty  (20)-year  Roadmap  for  Sports  Excellence,   including  the  roadmap  of  each
NSAs.
In  crafting  the  Roadmap,  the  NSAs,  in  coordination with the  POC,  shall  Identify  all the gaps
and  possible issues that could  prevent athletes from  harnessing their full  potential  in their respective
sports  and  include  the  solutions,  targets,   and  objectives  that  would  fully  support  the  athletes  in
pursuit   of  their   respective   goals   and   targets,   which   include   becoming   potential   qualifiers   and
medalists in the olympics and other international competitions.
Provided  Further,  That the  continuous funding  of the  NSAs  shall  be determined  by the  PSC
based on the proper,  reasonable,  and efficient implementation of each NSA's roadmap.
SEC.  8.  /mp/emenf+.ng Ru/es and Regu/af/.ons.  -The PSC,  in consultation with the NSAs and
other    stakeholders,    shall    formulate    the    rules    and    regulations    necessary    for    its    effective
implementation within ninety (90) days from approval of this Act.


SEC.   9.   Separab/.//.fy  C/ause.   -   ln   case  any   provision   of  this  Act   is   declared   invalid   or
unconstitutional,   such   declaration   shall   have   no   effect   in   the  validity   or  constitutionaljty   of  the
remaining provisions hereof.
SEC.10.  Rapea/+.ng  C/ause.  -All  laws,  decrees,  rules  and  regulations  inconsistent with  the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SEC.11.   Effectivity.  -This  Act  shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  publication   in  the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,