Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4220

Introduced by REP. Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines an ordinary professional athlete devotes his physical state for
training to furlher 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 sporls programs are not only trained for
competing as athletes but were also trained to serve the miliary and
equipped with ihe 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).

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 Camival
that they set-up in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City for the kids,
and even grown-ups, fo try their hands on various sporls. The purpose of the fair
is 10 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 Servic

are geared towards
sirengthening the bond of AFP with other government line agencies like the
Combative Sports Tournament belween 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
contrioutions they were willing to pay in exchange for the chance Io 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 thelr skills and lalents
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, Weighilifting, Wrestling and
Wushu.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

/

4]

AIC EL L. ROMERO Ph.D


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 4220

Introduced by REP. 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 if 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/her current designation:


SECTION 3. Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Sports in
collaboration with the Arm Forces of the Philippines shall issue the necessary

rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. All \aws, 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,