POC: SEAG to boost Phl image

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco has written President Duterte, expressing “deep regret” that the government is no longer pushing for the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

At the same time, the POC chief stressed the importance of the country hosting the biennial event for only the fourth time in history.

Cojuangco said the POC “fully supports (the) government’s position to focus its resources in the rehabilitation of Marawi and in the development of Mindanao.”

But the former congressman from Tarlac said the SEA Games hosting is a chance “to promote the Philippines as a beautiful place and a safe haven for international events.”

The Philippines last hosted the SEA Games in 2005, and emerged overall champion for the first time.

And while sports supremacy in the region is at stake, the hosting “should be a great platform to show to the world that despite these problems in Mindanao, the Philippines is a generally secure country to play sports and a regional hub for business.”

Cojuangco said the country needs the 2019 SEA Games to help generate more tourism receipts and invite leisure and business travelers from around the world.

The SEA Games draws close to 10,000 athletes and officials from 11 member countries.

“In this light, we appeal to the President to support the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in 2019,” said Cojuangco in his letter.

The Marawi crisis stood in the way of the country’s hosting although Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said there are other reasons for the government pullout.

Ramirez also cited the absence of adequate sports facilities and the failure of the POC to settle the issue with the Commission on Audit regarding the 2005 hosting.

“While it is sad and painful not to host the SEA Games, problems cropped up. Pumutok yung Marawi (crisis),” said the PSC chairman.