Duterte sends off PH contingent to Rio GamesPresident Rodrigo Duterte declared a raise in the allowance of the Philippine Team competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on-the spot during the send off ceremony at Malacañang on Monday. In his speech, Duterte promised to increase each athletes’ allowance from $1,000. Duterte, who was sitting beside Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, joked that sports officials going to Rio should only get $500 each. It is enough that you try, work hard, in the direction of love of the country,” Duterte said. But he later announced that the allowance of sports officials will also increase from $3,000 to $5,000 each (P233,597.50).

Source: Manila Times July 18, 2016 12:56 UTC