National athletes and coaches can start availing of their 20% discount benefit as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) started distributing discount IDs and booklets on Saturday, September 5.

2019 AIBA women’s world boxing champion Nesthy Petecio, who is currently residing in Davao, and Olympian marathoner Mary Joy Tabal are among the national athletes who have received their ID and booklet.

“Thank you, PSC! Unexpected delivery! May 20% discount na ako nito (I can get a 20% discount now),” said Petecio on Facebook.

“National athlete privilege, excited to avail this! Thank you Philippine Sports Commission for making this possible,” posted Tabal.

Establishments are required to honor the benefit under Republic Act (RA) No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act when athletes and coaches present their IDs and discount booklets. (READ: Make establishments aware of athletes’ discount law, says Agatha Wong)

The law states that national athletes and coaches get a 20% discount on transportation, hotels and restaurants, medicine purchases, and leisure activities.

Last May, the Bureau of Internal Revenue released the implementing rules and regulations of RA No. 10699 on discount privileges.

At the same time, however, the PSC announced a 50% reduction in national athletes and coaches’ allowances as the National Sports Development Fund suffered a financial blow due to the coronavirus crisis.

But with the P165-billion Bayanihan to Recover as One Act ready for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, the monthly allowances would be restored to the original amount. (READ: PH athletes, coaches wait for monthly allowance return) – Rappler.com