March 28, 2024

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has signed Resolution 355-2020 “mandating” local business establishments to give 20 percent discount to national athletes and coaches.
The resolution, which becomes a local policy, also requested all government agencies to issue the necessary directives to ensure compliance of establishments to Republic Act 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
RA 10699 mandates the grant of 20 percent discount and other benefits to national athletes, covering purchases, use of transportation services, subscription to lodging establishments, patronage of services, and use of amusement and leisure facilities, among others.
To avail of the benefits, national athletes only need to present their sports team identification card and booklets issued by the Philippine Sports Commission.
“The observance and strict compliance of business establishments to RA 10699 is essential in local sports welfare and development and as partners of the government will raise the bar in our standards for our athletes and coaches,” said Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president, Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales, main proponent of the resolution.
Orcales said granting of the discount has not been fully observed by concerned establishments in the past because of the absence of circulars or directives from national government agencies on how establishments will implement the discount.
He assured that the city government of Baguio is committed in ensuring national athletes and coaches will get their benefits.
On May 27, BIR issued Revenue Regulation 13-2020 that provided for the guidelines in the implementation of tax privileges to privately-owned establishments granting sales discounts and incentives to national athletes and coaches pursuant to the provisions of RA 10699.
In approving Resolution 355, the city government said it is committed to ensure the benefits of national athletes and coaches are fully extended, so that they may be motivated to do more for the city and the country in their chosen field in sports. – PIO and Ofelia C. Empian