Are the rewards from the Philippine Government for athletes taxable? How about if the rewards are from private individuals/entities?

No.  Under Section 32 (B) (7) (d) of the National Internal Revenue Code, all prizes and awards granted to athletes in local and international sports competitions and tournaments whether held in the Philippines or abroad and sanctioned by their national sports associations are excluded from gross income. Therefore, all cash incentives and rewards given by the Philippine Government to an athlete in sports competitions whether local or international and sanctioned by their national sports associations are EXEMPT from income tax.

On the other hand, if the rewards are from private individuals/entities they are taxable and subject to excise or donor’s tax. As provided in Sec. 98 of the National Internal Revenue Code, donor’s tax shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise, whether the gift is direct or indirect and whether the property is real or personal, tangible or intangible. Donor’s tax is imposed upon the DONOR.