Guiao to lead House inquiry on SEAG stint

Through the initiative of Pampanga Rep. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, the House will conduct an inquiry on the Philippine performance in the recent 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

The Philippines duplicated the 29 gold medals won in Burma (Myanmar)  in 2013, but we finished a notch higher as sixth overall this time.

Rep. Yeng, who is also Rain or Shine head coach in the PBA, did not hide his feelings over the country’s performance.

“Yes, I am disappointed,” he said in a text message yesterday. “But knowing the limitations of our athletes, I had some understanding of their situations, so I half expected the outcome.”

“My disappointment comes from the fact that they could not even meet the standards they set for themselves, which was about 50 gold medals,” he emphasized.

Yeng explained that Congress just has to perform its oversight function, “to make sure the funds we appropriate are utilized in the proper manner.”

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“Will Mark Joseph of aquatic sports be asked to appear before the Congress inquiry, considering the utterly embarrassing performance of the two Filipino divers in Singapore, plus the fact that aquatics has not produced a single gold in the last three editions of the Southeast Asian Games?” the Inquirer asked Rep. Yeng.

“Yes Madam. Lahat sila ipapatawag natin (We will summon all the officials concerned). They have to render an accounting not just of their expenses but more so of their performances.”

“The sports leaders have to be accountable for the performance of their athletes,” he said.

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At first, we thought that the country would not be able to host both the Fiba World Cup and the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019 because of a prohibition in Fiba rules.

But SBP executive director Sonny Barrios clarified yesterday that the staging of the two big sporting events on the same year can be done.

“The Fiba World Cup will be held  way ahead of SEAG, although on the same year,” Sonny said.

POC president Peping Cojuangco had announced plans of hosting the 2019 SEA Games after Brunei begged off.

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Pinoy Pride 31 “Clash of the World Champions,” headlined by the clash between reigning WBO light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against Mexican Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, ranked No. 1 WBO junior flyweight, has been moved from July 4  to July 11, 2015.

Also featuring young, undefeated ring sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo from the ALA stable, who will clash with Rafael “El Guerrerito” Reyes, also of  Mexico, the much-awaited boxing event will be held at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino with an array of special attractions and interesting undercard.