MANILA, Philippines — After offering a substantial reward of P5 million to two-time Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo, former Ilocos governor Chavit Singson said that he still has not received any response from the gymnast regarding his call for family reconciliation.

The billionaire's generous offer, announced late last week, was the only reward pledge tied to a specific condition: that the 24-year-old athlete reconcile with his entire family. The condition stems from the ongoing rift between Yulo and his mother, Angelica, over financial matters and her disapproval of his relationship with TikTok creator Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose.

Despite the significance of the reward, Yulo has remained silent on the matter, suggesting he may not be ready to make amends yet. While the gymnast chooses to speak little about his family issues in interviews, he is known not to hold back on using social media to express his sentiments whenever he feels necessary.

In an interview on Monday, Singson nonetheless reiterated his hopes for Yulo to consider the reconciliation. "Kaya ngayon champion siya at nagka-gold [medals], ipakita niya na siya ay isang role model at mapagsama niya ang pamilya niya. [Now that he's a champion and has won gold medals, he should show that he is a role model and bring his family together]," Singson said.

The former governor said he has been in contact with both of Yulo's parents, who have expressed willingness to reconcile with their son. With Yulo yet to respond to these overtures, Singson is even more concerned about the ongoing family tension.

"Naawa ako sa ganun [I felt for his dad]," Singson said, recalling how Yulo's father, Mark Andrew, was merely one of the many faces in the crowd during his son's homecoming parade in Manila City on August 14, holding a banner that read, "Caloy, andito Papa mo." (Caloy, papa is here.)

Now 83, the much mellowed longtime politico emphasized the importance of forgiveness and even referenced the teachings of the Ten Commandments.

"Whatever they've done before, Caloy should forgive them," he said, stressing that honoring one's parents and forgiving others are fundamental principles.

Frustrated by the lack of communication, Singson admitted he has no direct line to Yulo.