Aquino to meet Olympian Michael Martinez

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III is set to meet with lone Philippine Winter Olympian Michael Martinez, who captivated the country with his historic figure skating performance in the Sochi Games.

According to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Malacañang has received the request of the Philippine Sports Commission for a courtesy call with Martinez and the President, although there is no set date for the two’s meeting yet. (READ: Praise for Martinez after historic stint)

“The President’s schedule is a little hectic in the coming week because of the EDSA celebration and his planned official visit to Malaysia. But we are looking at what the best time for [the courtesy call] is,” Coloma said on Sunday, February 23, the same day he returned to the country.

The courtesy call will be the first meeting between the 17-year-old and Aquino.

Earlier, Malacañang received criticism for its perceived lack of financial support for Martinez.

In an interview with Catholic News Service, the athlete’s mother said she sent a letter to the Palace asking for financial help but did not receive a response. Maria Teresa Martinez said she mortgaged her house to send her son to the Games.

“My house is mortgaged. It’s a crazy investment,” Maria Teresa Martinez was quoted as saying. “I don’t even think anyone at the President’s office knows there’s a Filipino skating in the Olympics.”

But the Palace clarified that the Malacañang Records Office does not have any record of receiving a letter from Martinez. Malacañang has since said the Philippine government only has a limited budget for sports and is asking the private sector to shoulder the expenses to assist in funding athletes.

Martinez finished 19th at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics men’s figure skating finals. He’s the youngest and the first Southeast Asian figure skater to compete at the Winter Olympics. – Rappler.com