Republic Act No. 8757

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1

There shall be established a Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, hereinafter referred to as the Sports Hall of Fame, to enshrine the Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have distinguished themselves in their particular field of sports.

Section 2

The candidates to the Sports Hall of Fame shall be limited to those Filipino athletes, coaches and trainers who have distinguished themselves in local and international sports and who possess character and integrity: provided, that, in the case of athletes, he/she must at least be a gold medalist in any Southeast Asian Games, a silver medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Cup or regional games, a bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games, or a world champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.

Section 3

A formal ceremony shall be held to honor the athletes, coaches and trainers who shall be installed in the Sports Hall of Fame.

Section 4

A screening committee shall be set up by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to accept nominations and screen the nominees to the Sports Hall of Fame which shall be comprised of the following:

(a) Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission as chairman;

(b) President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as vice-chairman;

(c) Chairman of the Games and Amusements Board as member;

(d) Two (2) members from the POC accredited national sports associations who shall be selected by the general assembly; and

(e) Two (2) members from the private sector who shall be selected by the Philippine Sports Commission, en banc, upon recommendation by relevant groups and individuals.

The screening committee shall promulgate the criteria for nomination and selection of candidates for the award and its internal rules of procedures. It shall also conduct public hearings, meetings, consultations, as often as necessary, in the performance of its tasks.

Section 5

The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the Philippine Sports Commission under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 6

Within sixty (60) days from approval of this Act, the Philippine Sports Commission, in consultation with the Philippine Olympic Committee, shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act and submit the same for approval to the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress.

Section 7

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, November 25, 1999.