FALSE PROMISES

The celebrated silver medalist in boxing Olympics in 1996, Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco, has revealed on national television that both Congress and the Philippine Navy did not fulfill their pledges.

This, in reaction to the windfall of monetary pledges that Hidilyn Diaz is receiving now as posted on social media.

The cash pledges have now reached more than P40 Million, excluding the Foton van, a condo, lifetime plane travel, lifetime gasoline, and all other pledges, which would eventually change the lifestyle of her siblings and family in Zamboanga City.

“Yung kay Hidilyn, sana matupad lahat para hindi lang si Hidilyn, yung iba pang gustong maging athletes na kabataan, magpursige rin na ganun pala kalaki yung mga binibigay,” he said quoting an exclusive interview made by a National TV giant GMA.

Velasco revealed that after bagging the silver medal in Atlanta Olympics in boxing in 1996, he has also received pledges just like what happens now to weighlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

But he was saddened as according to him, Congress did not fulfill their P2.5 million pledge which he could have used for the education of his children.

He also lamented that the Philippine Navy pledged educational scholarship to his children but did not also fulfill their promise.

“Right now I was using my income for my children’s education. Had Congress fulfill the P2.5 million I could have used it in my kids’ schooling,” Velasco pointed out.

Velasco also revealed that a businessman has pledged a P10,000 lifetime allowance but it only lasted for one year.

But he said he did receive the house and lot pledged by another businessman before and where he is currently dwelling. He is hoping said businessman could already transfer the certificate of title to him so that he could live peacefully in said property.

“Ang inaano ko na lang sana, yung titulo lang mai-transfer na ba, kasi nakatira ako doon sa bahay, mamaya bigla akong palayasin doon.”

MOTIVATION

The boxing champ said all these financial help from both the government and the private sector is a great motivation for budding athletes especially those who have less in life and their families live in poverty.

He said the training is hard and you can leave your family for many months and even a year, so it is one challenge that must be faced by the national athletes competing in olympics to bring honor to the country.

During his time, he said, was really tough as there were no cellphones yet. So he would always think if his family was okay or not, or they have eaten a good meal in a day without him.