PSC says PH ‘won in sports that mattered,’ POC cites successful SEA Games campaign

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said the Philippines “won in sports that mattered” despite finishing with a lower gold medal count in this year’s edition of the biennial meet.

The Philippines ended the competition with 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes, placing sixth overall behind Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

In the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, the country tallied 58 golds, 86 silvers, and 116 bronzes.

“I think you will share with me the assessment, and 112 million Filipinos will agree that we won the golds in sports that mattered most,” Gregorio told Philippine Olympic Committee media, according to a report by GMA Integrated News’ Jonathan Andal.

Gregorio cited sports such as football and basketball, where the Philippines captured gold medals.

“Congratulations to Thailand for winning No. 1, pero tayo, ‘yung gusto nating mapanalunan, sa events na gusto nating mapanalunan, tayo ang nanalo. At ‘yung mga ginto na hindi natin akalain na mananalo tayo, nanalo pa rin tayo—like football. We won in sports that mattered most. Congratulations, Team Pilipinas!” he said.

"WE WON THE GOLDS IN SPORTS THAT MATTERED MOST"

Matapos ang kambal na gold medals ng Gilas Pilipinas men's at women's team sa 2025 SEA Games, ipinagmalaki ni PSC Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio na Pilipinas pa rin ang nanalo sa mga sports na mahalaga sa mga Pilipino | POC Media pic.twitter.com/fu88ZePSmT

— Jonathan Andal (@JonathanAndal_) December 20, 2025

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, meanwhile, described the country’s SEA Games campaign as a success despite the challenges faced by Filipino athletes.

“Very successful para sa amin. We broke many records, we defended, we beat their games—‘yun ang importante doon. We beat their games. We defended our games,” Tolentino said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News