Guiao seeks probe on Team Phl dismal Asiad showing

MANILA, Philippines - Pampanga Rep. Joseller Guiao has asked the House of Representatives to inquire into the dismal performance of the Philippine team in the recently concluded 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

In Resolution 1550, Guiao said many Filipinos “were not pleased with our delegation’s showing in the Games after we placed 22nd over-all in the quadrennial sports meet, one of the country’s worst finishes in the last 20 years.”

“With a medal tally of only 15 (1 gold, 3 silvers, 11 bronzes), we did not improve on our 2010 campaign, where the Philippines bagged 16 medals (3 golds, 4 silvers, 9 bronzes) and managed 17th place finish in the previous Asiad edition held in Guangzhou, China,” he said.

He said the Philippines finished seventh among Southeast Asian countries, way behind Thailand (6th overall, 12-7-28), Malaysia (14th, 5-14-14), Singapore (15th, 5-6-13) and Indonesia (17th, 4-5-11).

“The result of our 2014 Asian Games campaign should be an eye-opener for our sports officials on the need to go back to the drawing board to determine what else can be done to improve our performance,” he said.

Guiao suggested that the congressional inquiry could determine whether there is “a need to refocus our attention on sports where Filipinos can truly excel in, thus improving our chances of getting more medals in international competitions.”

“There is also a need to review the training and support given our athletes by the Philippine Sports Commission and private sponsors, through their individual National Sports Associations, to find out appropriate interventions,” he said.

He said athletes should be given enough support to help them achieve their goal of earning medals for the country.

“There may also be a need for a clearer and more focused national sports program to groom and prepare world class athletes that will represent the country in future international competitions such as the SEA Games, ASIAN games and the Olympics,” he said.

He added that the House committee on youth and sports, in conducting the inquiry, should be able to recommend remedial measures.

President Aquino was disappointed with the country’s showing in the Incheon Games, according to Presidential Communications Operations Office chief Herminio Coloma Jr.

He said Aquino felt that the government and concerned groups should focus on sports where Filipinos could excel.