The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) has allayed the fears that the country will be relinquishing its hosting rights on the 2019 SEA Games.
Phisgoc chairman Alan Peter Cayetano said that the country will push through with the hosting despite attempts to sabotage the preparations of the country in the biennial meet.
“There is no stopping the Philippines from hosting the 30th SEA Games. It may be apparent that there are personalities who are eyeing to sabotage the preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the SEA games,” Cayetano said.
“We at PHISGOC would like to reiterate our openness to listen and address their concerns on various issues. We will not tolerate fake news or misinformation that will damage the image of the country,” he added.
Reports of Philippines backing out from the hosting surfaced due to budget cuts and the late release of government funds. So far, the budget of the government for the SEA Games has been slashed from P7.5 billion to P5 billion.
“For now, we appeal to the sports officials and stakeholders that we need to continue to prepare as one, work as one so we can win as one,” the former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary said.
“We can resolve all these differences through direct communication and not by disseminating misleading news, insinuations and intrigues which are damaging the reputation of our country and demoralizing our athletes including the entire workforce of the Organizing Committee,” he added.
The Philippines is aiming for an overall championship in the sporting event just like when the country last hosted SEA Games 15 years ago. panaynews.net
