SEA Games will push through as planned, assures PSC chief

PSC chairman Butch Ramirez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–As much as possible, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez wants to insulate Filipino athletes from the harm that the wranglings among sports officials can generate.

The new leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) are earnestly working out to find a common ground and resolve the issues surrounding the country’s forthcoming hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“The President (Duterte) is aware of the issues, but directed us to keep our focus on the athletes and let the others sort out their issues within their ranks,’’ said Ramirez during Thursday’s press conference at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

READ: Butch Ramirez accepts SEA Games chef de mission post

“We must isolate our athletes from all these issues so they can focus on their mission,’’ said Ramirez, also the Philippine chef de mission tasked to lead Team Philippines to the overall title of the 11-nation Games.

POC president Joey Romasanta, who took over the helm after Ricky Vargas resigned Tuesday, would have to sit down with Phisgoc chairman Alan Peter Cayetano and reach an agreement on the functions and roles that both the local Olympic body and the Phisgoc have to play.

Vargas registered Phisgoc as a foundation with the Securities and Exchange Commission and gave the organization the full authority to organize and manage the Games without the approval of the POC board.

READ: Ricky Vargas resigns as Philippine Olympic Committee president

Romasanta said the Phisgoc should function as a committee and get the POC on board in so far as the progress of the country’s hosting preparations is concerned.

“The POC problem is a painful experience and they have to solve it quick. In due time, it will be resolved. The Phisgoc will settle its gaps with the POC,’’ said Ramirez.

The PSC chief also dismissed talks that the SEA Games would be postponed for next year brought about by the POC leadership change.

“The SEA Games will push through as planned. To our friends and leaders of the sporting community, I reiterate my call to unity,’’ said Ramirez.

“I know most of you personally, and I trust that our shared love for the sporting community and pure desire to push our athletes to achieve more will guide us to carefully weigh our next decisions and take steps toward the betterment of Philippine sports,’’ added Ramirez in his appeal.