Malacañang reiterates apology to SEA games athletes

With the opening of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games just hours away, Malacañang on Saturday reiterated the government's apology for "whatever inconvenience" athletes experienced by during their stay.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also repeated the administration's commitment to investigate "irregularities there were, if any, in the preparation of the event."

"The Philippines took the challenge of hosting this event not only to showcase the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos but also to contribute in the strengthening of our friendship with our neighbors in the region," Panelo said.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

"May this occasion therefore push the athletes and their support staff to generate into friendly competitive action their training and preparations, and realize the true value of sports even as they experience it through cooperation, understanding and solidarity," he added.

However, Panelo maintained that they remained undaunted by the initial chaos at the games

"We are undaunted by the initial snafus in logistics which were unfortunately aggravated by the proliferation of fake news, as we commence with excitement -- and hope for a historic milestone -- in hosting the 30th SEA Games," Panelo said.

The opening of the SEA games is scheduled on Saturday at 7 p.m. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News