Pacquiao alarmed over SEAG preparations

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao said yesterday he was worried over the country’s preparations for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in November.

Pacquiao, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, said all efforts must be exerted to ensure the successful hosting of the SEA Games.

“I’m worried that we might not be able to push through in hosting the SEA Games and this would be a huge embarrassment for our country,” the fighting senator said in a text message.

He said the immediate enactment of the proposed national budget for 2019 would greatly help in speeding up preparations as much of the work badly needs fresh funding.

“We’re doing everything we can to complete the venues and facilities,” Pacquiao said, adding it would be a great honor for the country to be hosting such a big event.“I believe that sports is one of the remarkable image of our country.”

Preparations for the SEA Games, set Nov. 30 to Dec. 11,  have been reportedly hampered by bickering among sports officials and lack of funding.

Still under construction is the main venue, the New Clark City Sports Complex in Tarlac. Other venues are in Manila, Subic and Batangas.

Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chairman Alan Peter Cayetano last week gave assurance the country will stage the “best and biggest” SEA Games despite cuts made on its budget.