The first question to ask in this abnormal sporting period: Is the Philippine hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games honestly worth saving?
This issue had to be raised because it’s hard to miss the selfish intent behind the insistence of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), under its sly over-staying president, to proceed with the hosting despite the decision of President Duterte to shelve the event.
Of course, it can’t be denied that the Philippine hosting of the biennial event has also become a victim of the martial law declared in Mindanao.
The POC still wanted to save the event. Last heard of, national sports association heads plan to seek an audience with President Duterte and ask him to reconsider his earlier decision.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair William Ramirez has stood firm on his decision to forego the hosting.
The POC plan to appeal to the President could also be seen as a move to test the Duterte resolve.
The POC is bound to be frustrated.
The national Olympic committee would insist on the hosting, in order to save face and project a bright image for Philippine sports.
But the PSC chair had made it clear: Don’t tell that to President Duterte, who abhors making silly pogi points.
There are more urgent national needs the money to be spent in the SEA Games could be used for.
Cries Dr. Aparicio Mequi, prominent national sports development guru: “The move on the part of the elitist POC is the apex of impertinence and idiocy. It’s an act of corruption which should not be allowed. While elitists of the POC dine in sumptuous banquets and sleep in air-conditioned bedrooms, the Marawi Bakwits and our brave soldiers continue to suffer the cruelty and inconvenience of war.”
Enough is enough is enough!