October 19, 2026 | 12:00am
Sen. Bong Go speaks during deliberations on the 2027 budget of the Philippine Sports Commission, at the Senate on Oct. 14.
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go called for a review of the 36-year-old charter of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to strengthen its capacity to serve Filipino athletes, expand its reach beyond Metro Manila and respond more effectively to their welfare concerns.
During the Oct. 14 Senate deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget of the PSC, Go said Republic Act 6847, which created the commission in 1990, may already need updating to reflect the present realities of Philippine sports.
PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio told the committee that the existing charter remains technically focused on amateur athletes, creating limitations in situations involving professional players who also represent the country in international competitions.
He said that professional athletes are now allowed to compete in events such as the Olympics and Asian Games, making the distinction increasingly difficult to apply in the context of national-team participation.
Go said Congress should study whether the PSC’s legal mandate and institutional structure remain sufficient.
“This is also important but there is no department that focuses on them… maybe it’s high time to widen your capacity,” Go said.
Go said the immediate priority is to strengthen the PSC itself and expand its presence in the regions so athletes do not have to travel to Metro Manila simply to access government assistance.
The senator said accessibility should be treated as an athlete-welfare issue, noting that transportation costs alone can become an added burden for athletes from far-flung areas.
The hearing also highlighted specific athlete-welfare concerns beyond financial support.
Later in the deliberations, national athlete Kimberly Custodio personally raised issues involving food provisions and nutrition arrangements at the Athletes Village.
Custodio told the committee that some athletes who train outside PSC facilities may not regularly benefit from the meal program and raised concerns about food portions following training.
Go said the larger concern remains ensuring that the government structures responsible for sports are capable of responding to the evolving needs of athletes.
He likewise reiterated support for regional sports facilities and training centers, saying infrastructure and services should be made more accessible outside Metro Manila.
“Let’s make it more accessible for our athletes, our sports facilities,” he added.
Go closed the hearing by reiterating that athlete welfare should remain at the center of government sports policy.