During the October 14 Senate deliberations on the proposed 2027 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Go expressed his full support for the two agencies and stressed that Filipino athletes must be given the resources they need to train, compete, and represent the country.
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Go reiterated his long-standing encouragement for young Filipinos to pursue sports.
“Kahit saan po ako pumupunta ang sinasabi ko sa kanila na get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he said.
The senator also commended Filipino athletes who participated in recent international competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games, and wished the country’s para-athletes well ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games from October 18 to 24.
He likewise reiterated his advocacy for equal recognition and incentives for para-athletes who win medals for the Philippines.
“Iyon nga rin po yung isa sa ating ipinaglalaban, yung batas ‘no, yung sana po’y pantayin na po ang matatanggap ng ating mga para-athletes tuwing nananalo sila ng medalya,” he said.
“Hindi naman po nila kasalanan na mayroon silang kapansanan noong sila po’y ipinanganak. Ngunit yung dala-dala nilang karangalan para sa ating bayan ay hindi po matutumbasan. Pareho po yon, gold rin po yung napapanalunan nila,” he added.
Go then raised concern over what he described as the limited allocation for Philippine sports under the National Expenditure Program.
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According to the senator, the PSC requested and proposed a ₱21-billion budget for 2027, but only around ₱1.3 billion, or six percent, was included in the NEP. He noted that the amount represents only around 0.018 percent of the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget.
Go stressed that national athletes should not have to personally shoulder expenses or borrow money simply to prepare for competitions.
“Sinabi ko nga last week na wala pong dumadamay sa kanila, ngunit pag nananalo sila maraming sumasakay. Pero pag-training pa lang walang sumasakay at walang nakikiramay. Kailangan po natin ng pagmamalasakit po sa ating mga atleta,” he added.
Go also welcomed the Supreme Court decision directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to account for and remit the full five percent of its gross annual income due to the PSC under Republic Act No. 6847 for the National Sports Development Fund.
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With additional resources potentially becoming available to the sports sector, Go urged the PSC to ensure that funds are properly spent and translated into direct support for athletes, including their allowances, training, transportation, equipment, and facilities.
He stressed that investments in Philippine sports must include safe and modern venues where athletes can train and compete under proper conditions.
“Mahalaga rin na magkaroon ang ating mga atleta ng maayos na training facilities, modernong kagamitan, at sapat na pagkakataong mahasa ang kanilang kakayahan,” he said.
“Kaya patuloy nating binibigyang-pansin ang pagpapaunlad at rehabilitasyon ng ating mga sports facilities, kabilang na po ang Rizal Memorial Sports Complex at PhilSports Complex, upang magkaroon ang ating mga atleta ng ligtas, maayos, at angkop na lugar para sa kanilang pagsasanay,” he added.
The senator recalled supporting improvements to PhilSports after personally witnessing deficiencies in the venue during sporting events.
He also cited the Ninoy Aquino Coliseum, which he described as a beautiful facility, while underscoring the need for continued maintenance and improvements in playing surfaces and other areas.
He also renewed his support for the proposed construction of a tennis stadium in Clark.
Beyond improving existing facilities, Go emphasized the need to bring sports infrastructure, training programs, and government support closer to athletes in different parts of the country.
He commended the PSC’s initiative to regionalize sports training centers, noting that athletic talent can be found throughout the Philippines while many major facilities and institutions remain concentrated in Metro Manila. BuyMaps
“We also commend the initiative of the PSC to regionalize sports training centers,” Go said.
“Ang mga atleta natin nang-gagaling sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bansa. Maraming talento na maaaring ma-diskubre kahit sa malalayong probinsya pero ang opisina ng PSC nandito lang sa Metro Manila at ang mga training centers natin karamihan nandito rin sa Metro Manila,” he added.
“We want to bring our sports training centers nationwide para mabigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang ating mga atleta,” he stressed.
Go cited projects supported in the 2026 budget, including the University of the Philippines Mindanao Aquatics Center, High Altitude Sports Facility in Baguio City, and Olympic Water Sports Training Facility in Siargao.
He also cited Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City and allows young athletes to pursue their education while undergoing intensive sports training.
“Nauna na nating isinulong ang Republic Act No. 11470 kasama si Senate President Win Gatchalian, at mga kasamahan natin noong 18th Congress upang magkaroon ng National Academy of Sports sa New Clark City na kung saan po pagsasabayin po ang pagte-training at the same time mag-aral,” Go said.
For Go, regionalizing these facilities and programs is key to ensuring that promising athletes do not have to travel to Metro Manila simply to gain access to proper training and government assistance.
“Ilapit natin ang sports sa ating mga atleta,” he said.
On legislation, Go said he continues to champion the proposed Philippine National Games and Senate Bill No. 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, which seeks to institutionalize a national collegiate multi-sport tournament. BuyMaps
Ultimately, Go said the level of support given to Filipino athletes must match the expectations placed upon them whenever they compete internationally.
“If we expect our Filipino athletes to consistently deliver outstanding performances and bring home medals from international competitions, we must also be willing to provide them with the necessary resources and support,” Go said.
“Hindi po puwedeng mataas ang ating expectations sa mga atleta, pero kulang naman ang pondong inilalaan natin para sa kanilang paghahanda at pagsasanay. Kaya mahalagang patuloy nating suportahan at dagdagan ang budget para sa sports,” he concluded.