Pacquiao urges public to support athletes, set aside discussions on SEA Games woes

World-renowned boxing champ and incumbent Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday urged the public to manifest their support to the Southeast Asian Games athletes and temporarily set aside bickering over the observed shortcomings of the organizing committee.

"Siguro saka na natin pag-usapan 'yan, i-enjoy muna natin, suportahan natin ang ating mga atleta para ma-encourage naman sila. Hindi siguro ito ang time para pag-usapan kung may mga problema," Pacquiao said in an interview on Unang Balita.

"Ako rin atleta, so kung maririnig ko before the fight na mag-uusap na as athlete, siguro makakaapekto rin sa akin kaya nga sabi ko, panawagan ko sa taumbayan na huwag muna nating pag-usapan ang problema, tapusin muna natin itong SEA Games," he added.

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

Pacquiao said that he is open to the suggestion of Senator Bong Go to open a probe on the apparent missteps in hosting the biennial sports event.

"After siguro ng SEA Games at nakauwi na 'yung mga bisita natin, ibigay natin 'yung gusto ng ating taumbayan na magkaroon ng imbestigasyon," Pacquiao said.

Poor reception for arriving athletes, repetitive menu, and unfinished press area were among the complaints that were observed, so far.

The Filipino boxing icon will be lighting the controversial SEA Games cauldron in the opening ceremony which will be held on November 30 at the Philippine Arena. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News