PSC to review Ultra contracts

As a result of the tragedy, the Philippine Sports Commission will review its existing policies on granting contracts or permits to private firms or individuals renting PSC-controlled venues like Philsports, which is also known as Ultra.

Among the international stars or groups which have performed before a jampacked crowd at Philsports were Sting and Earth,Wind and Fire during the ’90s. Local concerts, particularly during Valentine’s Day, are always held at the venue.

PSC executive director Guillermo Iroy said a review of the PSC policies is definitely in order to help avoid a repetition of the very tragic incident, the first to happen at Philports. Regarding yesterday’s show, ABS-CBN’s contract included the use of the multi-purpose arena which could house around 8,000 people, and the football field which could accommodate at least twice or thrice more.

"Normally, the contracts between the PSC and organizers of similar shows include crowd limitation. But sometimes, even the organizers cannot control the size of the crowd," said the PSC official.

Iroy said he has already informed PSC chairman Butch Ramirez of the sad incident. The PSC chief, who is on an official mission in the US, is being updated of the latest news regarding the tragedy.

ABS-CBN, according to news reports, has taken responsibility for the tragey. — Abac Cordero