GMA may well decide fate of 2003 Palaro

The Philippine Sports Commission, host Lanao del Norte and the management committee of the Palarong Pambansa might just end up letting President Arroyo decide whether or not this year’s edition of the student games will push through on May 4-11 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

This is a possible scenario being looked at by some sectors as the peace and order situation in Mindanao continued to worsen with the recent spate of bombings and fightings in Lanao del Norte’s neighboring provinces.

"In the end, they might just seek the opinion of the President whether to let Tubod host the Palaro or give it to other interested parties," a source who requested anonymity told The STAR.

This came about after Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella expressed interest in taking over from Tubod as host of the Palaro just in case the Mindanao crisis worsens.

Reports have it that PSC chairman Eric Buhain is not looking at other options, be it a call for a postponement or choosing a new venue.

It can be recalled that President Arroyo also stepped into a similar picture last year when then Department of Education Secretary Raul Roco called for a postponement of the Palaro, which was eventually staged in Naga City in June while handing over the 2003 hosting to Tubod.

There is also the possibility that the PSC, the Mancom and the Dimaporos – Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda and Rep. Bobby – might re-schedule the annual meet for high school and elementary students to a later date, possibly late May or early June.

This will give organizers enough time to work out a plan and convince parents who are worried over the worsening peace and order situation in the region to allow their children to compete.