MANILA, Philippines–It is the best option to ensure that preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, which the country is hosting, will proceed seamlessly.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) have agreed to share organization duties with the Philippine Olympic Committee under the leadership of President Duterte.
“This is all for our dear country’s pride and glory,” said PSC Chair Butch Ramirez.
There is no clear outline of as to how the three groups will distribute the organization tasks, but a government source said the PSC will take a “very active role” to ease Mr. Duterte’s apprehensions over mismanagement of government funds.
The Inquirer reported on June 21 that Mr. Duterte tasked the PSC to “stay on top” of the SEA Games preparations.
The POC, meanwhile, will handle the technical aspects of running the games, the source added.
“There is no truth to the allegation of corruption,” said Ramirez, who sat down with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Sen. Bong Go and Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday to sort out issues.
“We assure the athletes and the general public that all decisions and transactions will be done with utmost transparency,” added Ramirez, who also functions as the chef de mission of Team Philippines.
Spending will be monitored by the Department of Budget Management and assistance of the procurement service, Ramirez said.
The government has earmarked P6 billion for the preparations and operations of the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 Games.