POC not giving up on 2019 SEA Games hosting

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is not yet giving up on its hopes to get financial support from the government for the hosting of the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in 2019.

During its general assembly held at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City last Wednesday, POC came up with a consensus to seek audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterete in the hopes to salvaging its earlier commitment to the SEAG Council.

“The POC in their general assembly yesterday (Wednesday) in Wack Wack GCC, decided to appeal to President Digong to reconsider the government’s decision to forego of the hosting of the 2019 SEAG. Peping (Cojuangco) tasked POC Sec. Gen. Steve Hontiveros to set him an appointment with Duterte through three persons with Duterte connections: Sen. Migs Zubiri via Ritchie Garcia, an uncle of the senator; Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano via LVPI’s (volleyball NSA) Joey Romasanta; and Tats Suzara, of Phil Super Liga; and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a classmate of Cynthia Carreon of Gymnastics Association of the Philippines,” PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez said in his Facebook post.

However, according to Fernandez’s source, who happened to be at the general assembly, POC is not going to ask for financial as- sistance from the President since they will be asking private sectors for sponsorships if the games will push through. POC planned to hold only 25 Olympics Sports and Asian Games sports events with the inclusion of Arnis, the Philippines’ national sports.

Taking sides?

“Ma bypass kaya nila ang PSC chairman and the executive secretary? If so, and they proceed with the hosting without asking money from the government, then good luck,” Fernandez told SunStar Cebu.

Accordingly, the president of the Philippine Squash Association (PSA) Robert Bachmann suggested that Cojuangco should reach out to the PSC to mend their differences in the general assembly.

“But it was not taken well by Cojuangco. Instead, I was accused of talking in behalf of the PSC and taking their side. But I will continue to enlighten him (on) every chance I get. POC will make an appeal with Duterte to reconsider. If Peping is not willing to work with PSC and the Government and share the load, then why would government bother. I say pass on 2019 and secure 2021 or 2023. Besides, we don’t have the venues,” Bachmann said in his message shared by Fernandez to the Cebu sports media.

The Philippines was scheduled to host the 2025 edition of the biennial games yet, but Cojuangco offered to host the 2019 edition when Brunei-Darussalam backed out for lack of manpower, venue and facilities.

Worse, the SEAG Federation Council is already pressuring the POC about the reported withdrawal, but Hontiveros asked for more time since they are still seeking audience with Pres. Duterte for reconsideration.