Several Philippine sports officials expressed their relief following the approval of the proposed P3.7-trillion national budget by the Senate leadership yesterday.
“It’s good news not just for the sports world and the SEA Games, it’s good news for the Philippines,” said Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano.
Cayetano expressed hope the reenacted budget will not happen again because of its negative impact on the country’s economy.
Last Saturday, Phisgoc urged the Senate to accept the proposed budget to ensure a smooth hosting of the 30th edition of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on November.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Bombo Radyo, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner and PBA legend Ramon Fernandez said the preparations will be continuous now that the Upper House approved the budget.
Phisgoc earlier admitted the “budget limitation is a major factor” in their preparations for the upcoming regional sports meet.
According to Cayetano, Phisgoc presented a P9.5-billion proposal to fund the SEA Games, but the House only approved P7.5-billion. The proposed budget further suffered a 33-percent cut in the Senate.
Nevertheless, Phisgoc assured the preparations for the multi-sports event are in “full swing.”
