PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday, September 12, doubled the P2-million cash incentive for each gold medalist of the 18th Asian Games during an awarding of incentives ceremony at Malacañan Palace.

This was confirmed to Sun.Star Davao by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez and weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz.

Ramirez said, "Yes, P2 million."

Diaz, for her part, said, "Masaya po. Unexpected na may additional P2 million si President."

She also shared what the President told her,"Twice na raw kami nagkita at I make him proud."

She added that the President's bonus to her and the rest of the Asiad champions golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan, Lois Kaye Go and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were also awarded along with the P2 million mandated by the law through Republic Act (RA) 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, giving cash incentives to medalists of Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and Olympics, among others.

Thus, the gold medalists each received a total of P4 million from the national government, on top of the P2 million gift from the Philippine Olympic Committee and P1 million each from Siklab Foundation of Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy and Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Lee Hiong Tan Wee.

Meanwhile, the golfers issued a statement Wednesday evening, thanking the generosity of the President, PSC, POC and Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation and Ambassador Wee for rightfully rewarding them after making the country proud of their feats.

"Due to immutable circumstances, however, we are unable to accept any and all forms of financial reward. At present, two of us are actively playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States, with the third, soon to follow. We will automatically lose our amateur status the moment we keep these incentives, as well as the opportunity to continue representing the Philippines in the future," the joint statement said.

Thus, they agreed to donate their incentives to support the national golf program instead. They consulted the world golf governing body, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, who advised them it was a viable option.

"We are confident that the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) will allocate these resources in a prudent, equitable, and ideal manner, consistent with our intentions," the golfers added.

Duterte, during the awarding ceremony, said the Filipino athletes made the country "immensely proud".

"I congratulate our athletes and their coaches for their efforts in bringing honor and recognition to the Philippines in the field of sports. We Filipinos have always been known for our competitive spirit, and this year, we did not fall short of showing our trait to our neighbors," he added.

The Philippines finished 19th with four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes.