Press Release
July 24, 2019

Bong Go asks for unity among SEA Games organizers, affirms commitment to sports development

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go called for unity among the organizers of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines will host on November 30 to December 11, 2019.

"One team, one goal," Go cheered the organizers and members of the Philippine team in the meeting. "Let us go for gold."

The hosting has been marred with questions on which organization has the proper authority to handle the events.

Go asked the officials involved to settle the matter and accept President Duterte's decision for the sake of the athletes who will represent the country.

"I wish you all much wisdom and the gift of discernment to come up with the best decisions you can make today," Go said in his speech. "The future of sports in the country is in your hands."

In the meeting, it was agreed that the conflicting parties would jointly manage the event. The privately formed Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation will continue with its functions, including raising funds from the private sector. The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will manage the games. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will handle the release of government funds.

The senator rallied the POC, PSC and PHISGOC officials to be united in order to deliver a good performance in hosting the SEA games. Go added that national interest and the glory, not only for the national athletes, but for the filipino people are at stake.

"Magkaisa po tayo para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga atleta at para sa tagumpay ng buong Pilipinas. Gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para masuportahan ang Philippine team pero siguraduhin natin na magawa natin ito sa tamang paraan. Lets Go for Gold, support our athletes, and make sure no government funds will go to waste," he said.

In his speech, Go also reaffirmed his commitment to long-term sports development in the country and his stand against corruption.

Go said that if he was chosen as chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, he would accept it to help in the development of athletes and the betterment of the country's sports development program. "Tatanggapin ko po ito para sa inyo," he said.

He also shared that he had filed Senate Bill No. 397, which seeks to establish a National Academy of Sports for High School.

On corruption, the senator said he lives by President Duterte's principle not to tolerate anyone involved in corruption, even friends. "Pinagbibilin ng Pangulo na gamitin ang pera ng tao sa wasto. Kahit piso ay ayaw niyang may masasayang. Bantayan mo kahit kaibigan kapag pumasok sa korapsyon."

"Rest assured magiging mata niyo ako sa Senado. Ako ang magiging bantay ng pera ng tao. Isumbong niyo po sa akin at kung kailangan imbestigahan ay gagawin natin," he added.

He also said that government officials should always be ready when they face investigations involving corruption. "If walang tinatago, wala sila dapat ikatakot."

Go took this opportunity to also rally all Filipinos to support our athletes and focus on one goal which is to win gold and bring honor to our country.

"Layunin natin ngayon ay magkaisa ang lahat ng Pilipino para sa tagumpay ng ating mga atleta. Lets win Gold! Ibigay natin ang lahat ng suporta sa Philippine team," Go said.

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