Cayetano-led body to remain as organizer of 30th SEA Games

Privately formed Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Foundation Inc.will remain in charge of the hosting duties for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, a sports official said Wednesday.

"As is, walang pagbabago 'yan," Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez told reporters in Malacañang, even as President Rodrigo Duterte recently said he wanted the government to organize the games amid allegations of questionable deals entered into by PHISGOC.

Duterte's former top aide and now Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said the non-government Philippine Olympic Committee will run the games while the PSC, the government's sporting arm, will release the funds for the biennial sports meet slated for November 30 to December 11.

Ramirez and Go were in the presidential palace for a "call for unity" assembly which was also attended by PHISGOC chief and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and several athletes and sports officials.

In his speech, Medialdea slammed accusations that he issued the circular ordering all government agencies and government-controlled corporations to support the PHISGOC without authority from the President. He did not mention names.

"This meeting is called within the walls of Malacanan Palace to show that President Duterte is giving his 100 percent support to the country's hosting of the 30th SEA Games. Full support ang Presidente sa Philippine sports," he said.

"Hindi kagaya ng iminumungkahi ng iba na wala raw po kaming otoridad mag-issue ng kung anu-anong order. Hindi kagaya ng iba diyan puro tirada lang wala namang binibigay na suporta para sa bayan. Hinahamon ko 'yung mga maiingay, magpakita kayo ng tinulong ninyo para sa sports at sa mamamayang Pilipino."

Cayetano, meanwhile apologized since the SEA Games hosting has apparently been politicized.

"May disagreements man, may konting pitikan man, in the end, one country tayo, one team. We will go for the gold. Let us win as one and we can only win as one if we plan as one. So please join us in the last phase of the planning and we have room for everyone's opinion," he said. —KBK, GMA News