Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella yesterday said he remains optimistic that the Philippine Sports Commission budget will be increased to P250 million despite the negative feedback by the Senate, which initially approved only P28 million for the sports agency.

"The move was expected when you talk of senators, but I am still optimistic that they will change their decision during the bicameral meeting," Puentevella, a former PSC commissioner, told the DAILY STAR.

"I hope the Senate will join us (Congress) during the bicameral meeting in rewarding the Filipino athletes instead of insulting them," Puentevella, who also serves as the vice-president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said.

Philippine Volleyball Federation president Roger Banzuela said the approved budget is an insult to the dedication and perseverance of the Filipino athletes who gave the Philippines its first-ever Southeast Asian Games overall crown last month.

A bicameral meeting has been scheduled in February to finalize the 2006 national budget, including the PSC's allocation.

Puentevella filed a resolution last month urging the Department of Budget and Management, headed by Secretary Romulo Neri, to increase the P27 million proposed 2006 budget for the PSC because the Philippines, for the first time, brought home the overall title of the SEA Games in November and December 2005.

Puentevella said he is confident that Committee on Appropriation chairman Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. (Camarines Sur, 1st district) will be able to convince the Senate to change their decision on the proposed 2006 budget during the bicameral meeting.

"I could not see any reason why the senators insulted our athletes, but I hope that they will see the light in the future," Puentevella added.

Banzuela said the budget approved by the Senate for the PSC for 2006 will not be enough to support the year-round projects of the sports agency.

"The P28 million will only good for the elite sports, but it could not support the grassroots programs of PSC. The Filipinos deserve more," he added.

The PSC has suffered major slashes from its budget over the years with about P200 million during the terms of former President Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, down to P130 million in 2003, P103 million two years ago and P70 million last year.

"If the approved allocation stands, the chances of the Filipinos winning more medals in international events like the Asian Games and Olympics will be very slim," Banzuela said.

Aside from brushing off the P250 budget proposal of the House of Representatives, the Senate also disregarded the P304 million proposed allocation of the PSC for this year. *CIT

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