Palace: Lone Pinoy in Winter Olympics got help from gov't

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed reports that the Philippine government failed to extend financial help to figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, the country's lone representative to the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said at a televised press briefing that the government and private institutions, including the Philippine Olympic Committee,  extended help to Martinez, contrary to what some online reports had claimed.

Coloma, however, did not disclose what kind of assistance was given to Martinez.

Coloma also did not confirm reports that the athlete's family has sent a letter to Malacañang to seek help.

"Inalam po natin sa Malacañang Records Office kung may natanggap na sulat. Ayon po sa kanila, walang natanggap na sulat," the Palace official said.

Coloma said it is the initiative of Martinez and his family to seek more help if the assistance already provided is insufficient.

According to reports circulating online, the family of Martinez took out a mortgage on their home to finance the skater's Olympic dream.

The reports spawned criticisms toward the Aquino government for supposedly neglecting the needs of Martinez.

Businessman Manny Pangilinan, who has backed various sports teams in the country, said in his Twitter account that Martinez is supported by Smart Telecommunications and by the MVP Foundation.

Amid the public discussions regarding Martinez, Malacañang also hoped that the figure skater will triumph in the Winter Olympics.

"Sa simula pa po ng kanyang partisipasyon ay kinilala na natin ang kanyang kahusayan at umaasa tayo na sana'y maging mahusay ang maging outcome ng kanyang partispasyon doon," Coloma said.

"Kaisa tayo ng mga kababayanag magbibigay sa kanya ng pagkilala dahil sa kanyang partispasyon sa 2014 Sochi Olympics," he added.