MEMBERS of the national cycling team made a formal appeal to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to lift the suspension of their monthly allowance. In January, the PSC announced it would withhold the monthly allowance of the cyclists until the leadership dispute in the local cycling community is fixed.
National coach Norberto Oconer with cyclists headed by Victor Espiritu, George Oconer and Merculio Ramos told reporters that they don’t deserved this kind of treatment.
“It is very disappointing because our national cyclists are exerting all efforts not only in training but also in competing in different races abroad. We’re hoping the PSC will change its decision,” said Oconer.
Depending on the calibre of the cyclist, the monthly allowance ranges from P6,000, P10,000 and P15,000.
In the absence of financial support from the PSC, some private companies offered help in shouldering the expenses cyclists competing abroad according to PhilCycling president, Mayor Abraham Tolentino of Tagaytay City.
Tolentino said he is willing to talk with former PSC Chairman Philip Ella Juico, the president of the splinter cycling faction, on how unity can be attained in sport cycling in the country.
Appealing to the PSC, Tolentino said, “I’m not here to talk about the leadership issue or who’s recognized or not, but I’m here to emphasize the true mandate of the PSC which is to support and help the athletes particularly through financial means.” He also said that the PSC could give the monthly financial support directly to the cyclists and coaches even if it doesn’t recognize the leadership of PhilCycling.
