Two-time Olympic Champion Carlos Yulo and Philippines’ 1st Gold Champion Hidilyn Diaz 

MANILA, Philippines – A bill seeking to allow Filipino athletes to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani has been approved at the House of Representatives on Monday. 

During the plenary session, 196 congressmen unanimously voted to approve House Bill 11229 or the proposed Commemoration of Filipino Sports Heroes Act on third and final reading.

The proposed legislation defines Filipino “sports heroes” as national athletes. This includes those with disabilities who successfully made names in their particular sports field, with good moral character and integrity, won a medal in the Olympics, Paralympic Games, or a World Championship in any professional competition sanctioned by any international governing body as recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board. 

Also considered sports heroes are Filipino athletes, coaches, or trainers, who were inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. 

The bill also requires that sports heroes should be Filipino citizens by birth, including those who were naturalized in another country.