Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Honorable Michael L. Romero 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the Philippines an ordinary professional athlete devotes his physical state for 
training to further enhance his chosen craft. Their main focus is winning every 
competition that comes in their way. They practice extraordinary discipline and 
rigorous training since the day they started the sport until they eventually retire 
from it. 
But a soldier athlete has to deliver more than what a professional athlete gives. 
These soldiers were given the opportunity to pursue their passions as athletes, 
competing in international competitions in Asia for the past few years. 
They believe becoming a soldier athlete brings twice the honor than just being 
an athlete does. 
“We are able to serve our country twice.” 
Sports programs 
These soldiers that avail of the sports programs are not only trained for 
competing as athletes but were also trained to serve the military and equipped 
with the needed skills that a soldier needs in serving the country. All of these 
soldier athletes are also capable of working on the field and military offices. 
Last 2015, the highest number of athletes are concentrated on boxing with 
sixteen (16) members on the list, followed by softball with fifteen (15) and 
athletics (track and field, marathon, etc.) with fourteen (14). 
July 1, 2022 
11:27 am
850


The AFP plans to spread the love and practice of sports to these soldiers and 
their dependents through the Special Service. 
Among the programs of the AFP special service is the Summer Sports Carnival 
that they set-up in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City for the kids, 
and even grown-ups, to try their hands on various sports. The purpose of the 
fair is to showcase the sports programs of the AFP Special Service as well as 
encourage youth to practice sports that would suit them. 
The AFP Special Service also organizes events which include civilian employees. 
Other tournaments created by the AFP Special Service are geared towards 
strengthening the bond of AFP with other government line agencies like the 
Combative Sports Tournament between the AFP and Philippine National Police 
(PNP). Involving in sports tournaments organized by the civilian sector like the 
UNTV Basketball Cup is also part of the yearly agenda. 
Among the purposes of AFP special Service, aside from training athletes for free 
to represent the Philippines, is the processing of their documents for 
international competitions set in overseas. 
For these athletes who do not have the means to finance themselves and their 
passion for their respective sports, the free training and assistance are great 
help. 
Thus topped with salary they receive from being soldiers, the decision to 
undergo the military training and serve as members of AFP are small 
contributions they were willing to pay in exchange for the chance to use their 
talents for the glory of the country. 
The free use of facilities essential to their respective sports as well as having 
good coaches at hand, also for free, are advantages all athletes dream of, and 
should have. 
As said that athletes who want to become soldiers still have to undergo the 
regular process of enlistment and training to gain their slot among the members 
of the AFP. 
Some of the soldier athletes were recruited specifically for their skills and 
talents by officers in various units while others had voluntarily applied for 
enlistment. Others were already soldiers who pursued a chosen sport. 
The AFP Special Services uses various gyms and stadiums in Baguio, Quezon, 
Manila and Pasig cities for the soldier-athlete’s practice and training. 
The AFP Special Service have sports programs for Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, 
Canoe-Kayaking, Cycling, Judo, Karatedo, Pencak Silat, Rowing, Sailing, Sepak 


Takraw, Softball, Swimming-Water Polo, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Wrestling and 
Wushu. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D.   


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by Honorable Michael L. Romero 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR 
PHILIPPINE ATHLETES WITH MILITARY SERVICES, GRANTING 
THEM ONE (1) TO THREE (3) RANKS HIGHER UPON ACHIEVING 
MEDALS IN ANY INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines 
in congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE - This Act shall be known as the “Special 
Recognition for Philippine Athletes with Military Services Act.” 
SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby declared that any 
Philippine athlete rendering service under the AFP that will win a medal in any 
international competitions will be given special recognition, thus he/she will be 
elevated one (1) rank higher for Bronze, two (2) ranks higher for Silver and three 
(3) ranks higher for Gold, to his or her current designation.
SECTION 3. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The 
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the Arm Forces of the 
850


Philippines (AFP) shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement 
this Act. 
 
SECTION 4. REPEALING CLAUSE. All laws, executive orders, issuances, 
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed 
or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.  If, for any reason or reasons, any 
portion or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the 
remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and 
effect. 
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days after its publication in any newspaper of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,