PSC gives ultimatum to erring NSAs

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez reiterated his warning to erring national sports associations (NSAs) to shape up or face possible suspension of funding from the government.

Ramirez in particular called out again on NSAs with unliquidated financial assistance, those mired in leadership squabble, those who maltreat the athletes and those whose papers aren’t in order, to fix everything.

“We have been warning all NSAs to liquidate all their unliquidated financial assistance from the PSC, resolve leadership conflicts not resolved by their umbrella organization POC (Philippine Olympic Committee),” he posted on his Facebook page.

The PSC boss similarly threatened to cut off funding to NSAs that “bullied and abused athletes who were removed without due process” as well as those without “updated SEC documents including elections provisions (in their respective constitution and by-laws) and financial statements” and “(facing) many valid complaints from Filipinos.”

“If these things are not corrected and resolved properly, anytime the PSC will suspend and stop funding all NSAs and POC,” Ramirez warned.

Ramirez, however, said the PSC will make sure the athletes and coaches under the affected NSAs will not bear the brunt, if ever this happens.

“We will continue to support our athletes and coaches,” he promised.

At the same time, Ramirez said the government sports body will also “focus on the Philippine Sports Institute’s grassroots programs in all regions of the country.”