POC request for funds denied

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission yesterday denied the Philippine Olympic Committee’s request to fund the campaign of the RP team competing in the first Asian Youth Games slated June 29-July 7 in Singapore.

In denying support to the national contingent, the sports agency cited the POC’s late submission of its request and the event not part of the PSC’s calendar of programs this year.

“In as much as the PSC wanted to support this endeavor, we regret to inform you that we cannot provide the requested financial assistance relative to the first Asian Youth Games,” PSC commissioner and executive director Fr. Vic Uy, SVD, told chef de mission Cesar Binag in a letter Thursday.

“This said event is not part of the PSC’s programmed activities for the year.

“Further, as per Board Resolution 224-2002, it is stated that all NSAs (national sports associations) asking for financial assistance shall submit their request 60 days prior to the event to give the PSC ample time to look for funding source,” Fr. Uy said.

The POC had requested a budget amounting to $149,850 or P7,492,500 that would cover 70 athletes from athletics, basketball, beach volley, bowling, diving, football, sailing, shooting, table tennis and swimming and 30 officials.

“What do they think of the PSC, an ATM they could use each time they (POC) want money?” said PSC chair Harry Angping.

Actually, all 10 NSAs have submitted their requests as early as February but for unknown reasons, the POC submitted the request only last May 12 or barely a month before the eight-day event serving as the regional qualifier for the World Youth Olympics next year also in Singapore.

Angping, however, said he might bend the rules for the sake of the athletes.

“I will meet with the athletes today and give the funds to them directly. But definitely we will trim the list and maybe cut the number of officials in the delegation,” said Angping.

POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta, for his part, said they were saddened by the development.

“It’s a sad news,” he told The STAR.

Angping also expressed his surprise as to why the request letter bore only the list of officials and not the complete list of athletes participating in the tournament.

“It’s really funny it took them this long to submit this request and yet they couldn’t furnish us with the complete athletes lineup,” said Angping. – Joey Villar