PSC needs P30 million for SEAG participation in 2009

MANILA, Oct. 11 (PNA) – Due to important international tournaments next year, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) would ask Congress for additional P30 million budget for the country’s participation in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Laos next year.

PSC commissioner Eric Loretizo said the appeal is in connection with the decision of the bicameral committee to approved only P208.5M budget for the Philippine sports for next year.

“We are hoping the bicameral would approve an increase to the PSC budget but if it didn’t so, we will plead our case directly to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The additional P30M will be used for the SEA Games,” Loretizo said.

Despite the appeal from PSC chairman William Ramirez for additional funding, the bicameral committee has instead reduced this year’s P238 million budget by almost P30 million.

Aside from SEAG, the country is also preparing for the Asian Youth Games, which will serve as the qualifier for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. The Philippines has also started preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.

In the last Beijing Olympic Games, the PSC has spent a total of P50 million for the preparation and participation of the Philippine team.

The Philippines went home without single medal, marking the third time the country failed to win medal since the silver medal of Filipino boxer Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.