PASAY CITY—Lawmakers are rallying to safeguard the country's national sports development, pledging sustained financial backing for Filipino athletes despite tight fiscal constraints. 

During a Senate Finance Subcommittee D budget briefing presided over by the Chairman of the Senate Committee and Sports Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on October 14, 2026, senators vowed to bridge emerging funding gaps, stressing that government support for sports drives national pride and unity far beyond local and international arenas.

The proposed 2027 budget for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) dropped sharp warning flags after figures revealed a steep 39.9 percent cut—slashing the agency's funding down to ₱1.31 billion from its ₱2.21 billion enacted budget in 2026. 

Meanwhile, the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) pitched a lean ₱175 million proposal for 2027. Despite revenues tightening across national agencies, lawmakers insisted that funding sports programs remains a critical national investment rather than a luxury.

To offset the massive budget deficit, Sen. Go pressed for the full enforcement of a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to remit its full 5 percent gross annual income share directly to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) under Republic Act No. 6847. 

“Masaya na rin po ako dahil with finality, nag-decide na po ang Supreme Court for this year na magagamit niyo na po yung naaayon sa batas na NSDF yung 5% ay matatanggap noyo na po. So pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo…sana gamitin niyo po ito sa ating mga atleta, gamitin niyo sa tama, at walang masasayang na kahit isang piso dyan sa pondon ‘yan.” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Go highlighted that executing this mandate guarantees that national athletes receive steady allowances, top-tier training equipment, and full travel coverage preventing competitors from having to borrow funds out of pocket while representing the flag.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio highlighted the agency’s progress over the past year, outlining key priorities centered on athlete welfare, expanding regional training hubs, and accelerating sports tourism. 

During the proceedings, lawmakers also commended Filipino athletes for bringing international honor to the Philippines, encouraging them to keep their commemorative team apparel as keepsakes, while reassuring sports officials that Congress will actively explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure no athlete is left behind.

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