Senator Mark Villa has filed a bill in the Senate in support of national athletes representing the country in international competitions.

Senate Bill No. 1677 or the Bayaning Atletang Pilipino (Philippine Sports Heroes) Act intends to help athletes following the successful Filipino names in the sports industry Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting Hidilyn Diaz and current world No. 3 pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena.

"Behind these successes and achievements are the hardships and dedication that every athlete exerted to bring honor to the country. Thus, in recognizing the contribution of these exceptional athletes, this bill seeks to grant distinctive honors and privileges to them," Villar said.

The government will establish the Order of National Athletes (Orden ng mga Pambansang Atleta) to give honor to athletes 'who have brought immense pride and honor to the country and have dedicated their lives towards the advancement of their sports.'

An amount of P1 billion will be allotted for the Endowment Fund in support of the training of the awardees and their participation in the international arena.

Included in the bill are the benefits such as cash awards, monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits, life insurance, place of honor in state functions, and a state funeral.

The Committee of the Filipino Sports Heroes will be under the Office of the President and will be headed by Philippine Sports Commission.

The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Olympic Committee, National Youth Commission, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines will also have representatives for members and officers.