Apology not enough for SEAG blunders — Go

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of apologizing, organizers of the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) should “wake up” and work together to correct their blunders ahead of the official launch of the regional sports event, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said yesterday.

Logistical breakdown affected athletes from Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Thailand and the Philippines’ women’s football team.

“You can’t fix this with an apology. What we need to do is rouse everyone, we can’t be wimpy here,” Go said in Filipino.

“I am, therefore, delivering this privilege speech to urge Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and all Filipinos Don’t let this fail,” he added.

The senator also expressed his frustration over those gloating at the organizers’ blunders, saying Filipinos should stop the blame game and unite instead.

“It’s sad that many of our countrymen are clapping their hands for the wrong reasons. They give us applause because they want us to fail,” he said in Filipino.

He stressed that what Filipinos should do is to help one another. “Let’s help each other and show of support for our athletes,” he said.

“There is a right time for everything. No finger pointing at the moment. But after the Games, we’ll hold accountable those who need to be held accountable.”

Stating that the government has given the necessary funds and other support to concerned agencies to ensure a successful hosting of SEAG, Go said there should be no reason for the country not to be ready to host the Games.

“When we’re preparing for SEA Games, each branch of government has its own mandate to fulfill. The Office of the President, the Senate, and Congress gave the necessary funds for the country’s hosting of the SEAG. So there’s no reason to say we’re not prepared,” he said.

Go stressed the organizers will be “answerable to the President and, most especially, to the Filipino people.”

The senator, chairman of the committee on sports and a member of the Blue Ribbon committee, also said he is ready to investigate any anomalies and irregularities that will arise during and after the games. But any investigation must come after the sporting event has concluded.

Go expressed his full support and admiration for Filipino athletes, saying the government is behind them.

“To all our hardworking athletes, coaches, delegates and all those who have sacrificed much to bring glory to our nation, we are all behind you. The government and all its resources are all behind you,” he said.

The ruckus over the SEAG blunders had even spawned allegations that Malacañang fired Vice President Leni Robredo as anti-illegal drugs czar to divert attention from the mess.

This was denied by Malacañang. – Alexis Romero, Catherine Talavera, Jess Diaz, Edu Punay, Paolo Romero, Rhodina Villanueva