Carlos Yulo made history by becoming the first Filpino gymnast to win Olympic gold. However, his personal life experienced a huge upheaval. Shortly after winning his second Olympic gold, the gymnast accused his mother of dipping into his competition prize money without his knowledge. Amidst the drama, former politician Chavit Singson offered the family $86,000 under one condition.

The entrepreneur promised a massive monetary reward of five million pesos ($86,000). However, Yulo and his mother would have to end their dispute and reunite as a family. Although over two months have passed since the offer, the Olympian and his mother have yet to make amends. Now, Singson has stepped in with another promise that’s garnered mixed reactions.

“I will give Yulo’s family P1 million this December, that’s for sure,” Singson said on Thursday, October 24, as per a Manila Bulletin report. However, the veteran politician will award the 1 million pesos to Carlos Yulo’s parents during Christmas. However, not everyone approved the Narvacan Municipal Council member’s decision and voiced opinions online.

“If true, does Singson need to announce that?” one individual commented on YouTube. The commenter was quite harsh on Sinsgon and addressed the 83-year-old as “epal,” which roughly translates to ‘attention grabber,’ for announcing the reward. The netizen hinted that Singson had inserted himself into the personal life of an athlete and may harbor an ulterior motive.

They criticized Chavit for announcing the reward so early, highlighting the fact that 2025 is an ‘election’ year. “Just give it without any announcement or fanfare,” the individual added. Interestingly, the Manila Bulletin reported that the former governor will contest for one of “12 senatorial slots” for next year’s midterm election.

Others also thought that Chavit Singson was paying too much attention to the Yulo family. “I hope politicians, like Singson, also think that there are many poor Filipinos who need help.” commented another individual. However, Yulo is not the first or only athlete that the politician has taken an interest in. In fact, the 83-year-old has built a reputation for helping sportsperson, and maybe that’s why not everyone resorted to criticizing Singson.

Some supported Carlos Yulo and his family’s benefactor

While many thought Chavit shouldn’t have interfered with Yulo and his mother, some disagreed. “It’s only right to give gifts to parents, especially now it’s Christmas, thank you!!!” one YouTube user commented on the video. After all, Yulo came from a middle-class household with siblings, who didn’t have the financial backing to support his gymnastics career.

In fact, Carlos Yulo may not have won Olympic gold if Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion didn’t gather funds to send the 24-year-old to Japan. After his Paris Olympics achievement, the gymnast has received over a million USD in rewards from the Philippines government and various other businesses, including a luxury condo.

However, the dispute between Yulo and his mother has created a rift. So some fans thought the family deserved Chavit’s gesture. One individual even made a different request. “Give them a more spacious house as their Christmas present,” commented the netizen. Yet, one Filipino pointed out how those in need could use the money.

“Why Mr. Chavit? More people need help there in the North… Why are they still there and Yulo has more? Especially since there are many floods… Will you now show the poor people there in the north?” questioned the user. The comment came after tropical storm Trami wreaked havoc in the Philippines taking the lives of over 125 people.

While it’s uncertain whether Carlos Yulo and his family will make amends in the near future, Chavit Singson believes the gymnast’s parents deserve a reward. “It is God’s command to honor thy father and thy mother,” the politician told Philstar Global during his October 24 announcement. Yet what are your views on the announcement? Let us know in the comments.