De Lima files reso seeking probe into PHL’s SEA Games hosting

Detained Senator Leila de Lima has filed a resolution seeking an investigation into the alleged irregularities that marred the country’s hosting of the recently concluded 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Senate Resolution (SR) No. 274 directs the appropriate Senate committee to conduct a probe into the reported organizational and administrative problems, as well as possible corruption, which affected the biennial sports meet.

De Lima said the reports of organizational problems surrounding the preparations betray a political dynamic that could translate to even greater problems in the country's sports programs in the future.

“As we celebrate our athletes’ most successful campaign in recent memory, it is likewise important for our government to scrutinize our performance both as a host country and as patrons to our athletes,” she said.

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

She said prior to the November 30, the country’s hosting of the SEA Games has been beset by organizational issues, including early troubles with transportation and accommodations of teams from Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Cambodia, accreditation issues, and lack of halal food for Singapore’s delegation, and even problems with accreditation of media.

She further said several volunteers for the SEA Games also aired their grievances over the lack of system and coordination.

The Duterte administration also drew flak for allocating P50 million for the cauldron that was used for the lighting of the SEA games flame.

“Proper management and governance necessitate that we conduct an inquiry on the recently concluded SEA Games, especially after the problems encountered were duly documented by the mass media,” De Lima said.

She also underscored the need to scrutinize the organizational structure through which the country hosts international sporting events to ensure that the funds will be properly given to institutions with the mandate and capability to properly utilize them.

“There is a need to investigate the existing sports legislation to ensure that support and funding are given to the agencies that have proper mandate and that accountability lies even with private organizations, especially those who have access to government resources,” she added.

She said while problems of disorganization, incompetence, and inefficiency can be resolved through institutional mechanisms, “what cannot be countenanced is the scandalous probability that in the middle of all this disorganization and incompetence, certain high public officials still might have enriched themselves in the procurement of government contracts for the hosting of the games.” — BM, GMA News