By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Following revelations by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose Cojuangco indicating the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines could proceed without government support, former POC chairman Monico Puentevella said it would not be possible.
“POC, without government support, would only be dreaming of hosting the SEA Games,” he asserted.
Previously, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair William Ramirez announced the country would not host the event for security reasons and, instead, suggesting using funds devoted to the games for restoration and rehabilitation projects in Marawi City.
Puentevella noted, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wanted to cancel the games in 2005, when the Philippines last hosted the international sporting event.
“Without our intervention, then-President Arroyo would have dropped the hosting – that’s on record,” he said./WDJ