MANILA, Philippines - True to his vow, Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping has ordered the closure of all the beer joints around the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Yes, they’re all closed,” said Angping, referring to the beer joints located just outside the track and field oval fronting the Harrison Plaza.
The establishments owe PSC P33 million.
Upon assuming office early this month, Angping vowed to turn commercial spaces outside the sports complex into income-generating establishments, like coffee shops, restaurants, sports and drug stores to generate funds for the Filipino athletes.
“I’ve nothing personal against them, but I think it’s about time they get out of there,” Angping said.
The PSC is also planning to convert the former Brent School building at the Philsports Arena in Pasig into a commercial hostel similar to YMCA.
There are also plans to renovate the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and install air-conditioning units at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to lure the UAAP and NCAA leagues.
“We will generate money that would help the athletes and hopefully get the PSC additional income,” said Angping.