PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino has called for understanding following several glitches that have marred the lead-up to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Appearing in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, Tolentino said problems during the hosting of any SEA Games are normal and that the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) is trying its best to find a solution.
“Hindi natin maiwasan ‘yung mga small, minor glitches but all of those were already solved and merong solution. Ganun talaga. Na-experience ko rin sa ibang bansa. ‘Yung ID ko ibang picture, marami ‘yan," he said.
“I hope maintindihan ng iba lalo na kulang na kulang ‘yung year ng preparation natin. Remember, dapat sa Brunei ito. Nangyayari talaga ito. Lahat po ‘yan, na-address na ng organizing committee. We just focus on our athletes. Doon tayo bumawi,” he added.
The days leading up to the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 showpiece have been marred by transportation, logistics, and accommodation problems as well renovations of major venues that failed to meet the deadline.
The POC president, who is also a member of Congress and president of the national cycling association, urged the public to unite behind the flag.
“With this, my statement will be not only we win as one, but we stand as one in hosting this 30th SEA Games,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino said now is the time to move on especially with other countries already showing their support to the Philippine hosting.
“It’s normal. Sabi ko, let’s move on. Even sabi ng Singapore and Myanmar, let’s move on. The formal opening will be on the 30th. Let’s move on kaya dinagdagan ko, we win as one, we stand as one,” said Tolentino.
The POC president said the SEA Games won’t be hosted again by the Philippines anytime soon.
“Remember, the next SEA Games will be 10 years from now. Wag muna tayo maghilahan. Para sa bayan muna. Sayang. Tanggapin natin na lahat tayo nagkakamali, magsama- sama tayo. Social media din, ganun din sa netizens, let’s move on,” Tolentino added.
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