INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? If the Philippine Olympic Committee doesn't want the money, then the Philippine Sports Commission will have to use it for another worthwhile project.

PSC chair Harry Angping said Thursday a financial support of P4 million was already cleared for the Philippine delegation in the 1st Asian Youth Games despite word from the POC to disregard the funding from the government sports agency.

POC president Jose ``Peping'' Cojuangco Jr. vowed to raise the money on their own and bankroll the participation of the 70 athletes aged 13-17 years old and 30 officials in the June 27 to July 7 multi-sport conclave in Singapore.

?The money is available if they wish to avail of it. We will wait for the final word coming from the NSAs (national sports associations) involved,'' said Angping.

?If they really don't need the money, we would appreciate a formal notice, because we can use the funds for other worthwhile projects,'' he added.

Based on the proposal submitted by chef de mission Cesar Binag, the entire delegation would need P7.5 million for the 10-day tournament, including airfare, billeting and allowances of athletes and officials from the 10 competing NSAs.

?I wonder what the POC really wants,'' said Angping. ``One day they ask for funding, the next day they reject our help.''

During last Tuesday's meeting with POC representatives, the PSC agreed, despite the POC's delayed request for funding, to cover the participation fees, allowances, uniforms and airfare of the athletes.

Under Republic Act 6847 that created the PSC, the agency is mandated to support programs and athletes in the grassroots level.

The AYG, the prelude to next year's Youth Olympic Games to be held also in Singapore, is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee.

?But there is no provision in the law that mandates us to support officials as well,'' said Angping, referring to Binag's financial request for eight administrative officers included in the delegation.

This comment and Angping's insistence to send only medal prospects blew the top of Cojuangco, who stressed the POC would instead bankroll the country's participation while the PSC chief would be held liable for violating the law.

?I would like to see them put their money where their mouth is,'' said Angping.