Palace again apologizes for SEA Games snags as event opens today

November 30, 2019

As the Philippines is set to officially open the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Saturday afternoon, Malacanang hoped athletes and their support staff will realize the true value of sports through cooperation, understanding and solidarity.

President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the opening ceremony of SEA Games at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. 

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this signals the official start of this biennial regional multi-sport event scheduled to run until December 11.

Panelo again apologized for the inconveniences of the past few days, including the logistics, hotel accommodation and food of the athletes.

“We are undaunted by the initial snafus in logistics which were unfortunately aggravated by the proliferation of fake news, as we commence with excitement -- and hope for a historic milestone -- in hosting the 30th SEA Games,” Panelo said.

“At any rate, we wish to reiterate the country’s apology for whatever inconvenience the athletes went through, as well as this Administration’s commitment to probe whatever irregularities there were, if any, in the preparation of the event,” he added.

Panelo said the Philippines took the challenge of hosting this event not only to showcase the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos but also to contribute in the strengthening of our friendship with our neighbors in the region.

“May this occasion therefore push the athletes and their support staff to generate into friendly competitive action their training and preparations, and realize the true value of sports even as they experience it through cooperation, understanding and solidarity,” he said.

The Duterte administration wished all participating athletes the best “as they compete for honors for themselves and the countries they proudly represent”. Ella Dionisio/DMS