Cebu is more advanced than Manila in SEA Games preparation, says Atienza

Manila Sports Development Council Chairman Ali Atienza cautioned the Cebu Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (CebuSOC) even as he praised the local organizing committee here for being well prepared compared to its counterpart in Manila.

"Buti pa dito sa Cebu mas prepared," said Atienza, who was guest of honor in the Mandaue City Charter Day Celebration yesterday in Mandaue City.

Ironically, Manila, being the center of all the activities in the 23rd SEAG and the national capital of the country, is not officially making its participation in the SEAG organizing body.

Atienza, who was supposed to take charge of the opening ceremonies when he was still with Philsoc before he resigned last January, turned down the offer of hosting some events because of "too much demands from Philsoc."

He said he'd rather keep it to himself now and will just wait for the right time to get back at some people at Philsoc.

"Kung anong problema sa Philsoc hindi dapat pinapasa sa mga LGU's. Tapos pa nga, yung mga binibigay sa inyong mga events, ano ba yan?. Sa amin, ayaw namin dun sa iba, eh gusto nila, bahala sila, pero, di kami makikialam. Well, mababait kasi kayo dito sa Cebu, kaya hindi kaayo umaangal," said Atienza



Atienza also called unfair Philsoc's appropriation of about P40 million for the improvements of the venues and facilities in Bacolod City.

"It should be fair. Dapat it will be divided according to the number of sports one is hosting," added Atienza.

Atienza said Cebusoc should not just simply nod with what Philsoc will say and demand too.

Although, Atienza said Manila is not closing its doors to the SEAG as they are willing to extend their support.

"We are still waiting kung ano ang mga kailangan nila (Philsoc). At the end, lahat tayo involved dito," added Atienza.

"It's rush hour. Sakit din kasi ito ng Pinoy, last minute na. Pero, talaga, sana lang, ayusin na nila ang gulo sa Philsoc, para maging maayos ang SEA Games." - Caecent No-ot with Sona Mae Povadora