Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) is open to an investigation into the alleged anomalies in the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who chaired the Phisgoc, made the statement on Wednesday during the turnover ceremony of the 30th SEA Games Final Report Book.
"Is Phisgoc open to any investigation? Yes. E bakit may mga masasakit na salita versus that (Why are there hurtful comments against that)? Because we're open to an investigation but we're against witch hunts. Magkaiba yung dalawang yun (Those are two different things)," Cayetano said.
Cayetano said that in an investigation, all parties can air their side regarding the issue.
"Yung investigation, ibig sabihin may maipapakita kayong allegation, meron kayong binibintang. May proseso para makadepensa para yung namimintang ay mape-present nila ang ebidensiya nila at yung bintang nila, yung accusation. And yun namang kabila ay makakasagot (In an investigation, you can present an allegation, an accusation. There is a process for the accusers to justify and present their evidence regarding their allegation or accusation. And the other side could respond)," he said.
Cayetano, meanwhile, said the SEA Games experience has united the Filipino people, adding that sports can bring out the best in the future generation.
“Beyond the 30th SEA games, it can serve as a shining inspiration for Filipino youth and sports can be a source of good values for our children not just for our athletes,” Cayetano said.
To sustain the golden age of the country’s sports development that started in the 30th SEA Games, Cayetano also challenged the lawmakers to put their energies into providing an additional budget for sports development and athletes' training in preparation for the next year’s SEA Games and other international competitions.
Phisgoc chief operating officer Ramon Suzara said the final report book shall be submitted and delivered to the SEA Games Federation.
“The book details each victory, both big and small; that we have had throughout our colorful and meaningful SEA games journey,” Suzara said. “It served as a historic document representing the hard work that we have all put together as one strong Phisgoc family.”
Suzara said the Phisgoc mounted the best-hosted and biggest SEA Games in the history of the event with 56 sports, 531 events, 53 competition venues, and eight non-competition venues.
He said it allowed the Philippines to regain the overall SEA Games championship after 14 years, earning 149 gold medals, 117 silver, and 121 bronze.
Senator Risa Hontiveros called for a “full-blown” investigation of the allegedly irregular deals in connection with the country’s hosting of the SEA Games.
Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go, chairman of the Senate sports committee, also earlier said he would launch a parallel investigation on allegations of corruption against Phisgoc. (PNA)
