Investing in Pride is No Game

The recent move by President Marcos Jr. to double the cash incentives for SEA Games medalists is more than a populist gesture; it is a strategic assertion of national values. By topping up the RA 10699 mandates, the administration is putting its money where its mouth is.

However, critics might worry about the budget. Yet, the logic presented by the administration is compelling in its simplicity: If we can find funds for infrastructure, we must undoubtedly have unlimited funds for national pride. This creates a narrative where questioning the budget equates to questioning the country's honor. Furthermore, the administration implies that because the athletes brought honor to the country, the government is morally obligated to grant them whatever financial reward is available.

This "Champion of Filipino Excellence" persona serves to unite the public. It shifts the conversation from "how much are we spending?" to "look how much we value our heroes." In the end, the 277 medals are not just metal; they are receipts of a transaction between a supportive government and its disciplined citizens.