SAMAHANG Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella yesterday welcomed the newly-signed Republic Act 11470, otherwise known as the National Academy of Sports.

However, Puentevella, who once served as one of the commissioners of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and a chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee, stressed that the timing of this law is quite off since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic shall and has already taken the bulk of our government’s budget even for next year.

Puentevella further stressed that RA 6847, which established the PSC clearly stated that 5% of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's annual gross income should go to the agency.

The SWP head also believed that PSC Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez can deliver what is expected from the National Academy of Sports if he takes the helm.

Meanwhile, the PSC Board thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law RA 11470.

The PSC added that it commits its support and cooperation in the implementation of RA 11470's provisions, recognizing its success as a vital boost to the country's sports development and complementing the sports agency's efforts in line with its mandate to develop grassroots and elite sports.