PSC wants P10M more for SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Sports Commission is asking Malacanang for a P10 million contingency fund for the country’s campaign in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia next month.

“Just wanted to make sure that everything is covered,’’ said PSC chair Richie Garcia said in a radio interview Thursday. “Many things keep on coming up. This is just for contingency.’’

Garcia said he has written executive secretary Paquito Ochoa for the additional budget and promised that the amount will be properly liquidated.

“Of course it will be properly liquidated and we’ll return whatever is left,’’ Garcia added.

The agency earmarked P30 million for the Games slated in Palembang and Jakarta Nov. 11-25 but was forced to raise P15 million more from the private sector and Malacanang when the list of athletes and officials grew.

Businessman-sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan came to PSC’s rescue by shouldering the expenses of athletes from seven sports. The sponsorship amounted to P10 million.