National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) secretary-general Bones Floro cleared the air regarding the uniform issues raised by Team Philippines golfer Dottie Ardina during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In a press conference held at Club Filipino in San Juan last Friday, Floro emphasized that there was no bad blood between him and Ardina despite the controversy.
“First of all, nililinaw ko po ito: Wala po akong sama ng loob kanino mang atleta, most especially kay Dottie,” Floro asserted.
“We were in one house, magkasama kami buong linggo. All this time, hindi ako nagkulang sa kanila, lahat ng hiningi nila, binigay. Ngayon, lahat ng hiningi at tinanong sa akin, lahat ng concern inaddress kagad. Now, kung mayroon hindi nahingi sa akin at hindi siya happy about it, wala na po ako siguro magagawa doon.”
Ardina had earlier released a video where she could be seen taping the Philippine flag on her self-bought clothes ahead of Day 3 of the competition.
The golfer’s actions sparked discussions online about the lack of proper uniforms provided to the national team athletes, with many netizens expressing their disappointment.
Addressing the situation, Floro expressed his confusion over the incident, pointing out that Ardina had not raised any concerns during their time together.
He also highlighted the positive relationship he maintained with Bianca Pagdanganan.
“Kahit si Bianca (Pagdanganan) wala naman complain. Between the two of us, me and Bianca’s family, panay ang pasalamat sa akin. Nag-sosorry pa nga sa nangyayari sa akin. Naawa, in other words na hindi dapat nangyayari sa akin ‘to. Sabi pa, ‘Tito, you did so much for us, why is this happening to you?’ So siyempre, nakakagaan sa loob yun na may ganun tayong atleta, although yung isa hindi masaya sa nangyari,” Floro explained.
Floro also revealed that Ardina had been in contact with him even after the controversy, sharing required documents for liquidation purposes.
Despite the apparent tension, Floro reiterated that he holds no grudges against Ardina and is open to resolving any misunderstandings.
“If there was any inconvenience caused, we apologize,” Floro said.
“Kami po sa NGAP, humihingi po kami ng tawad kung nagkulang man kami sa inyo. Kung unsatisfactory ang tingin niyo sa aming serbisyo, mag-usap na lang po tayo. Humihingi po kami ng tawad sa inyo at sa taong-bayan kung nagkulang man kami.”
Ardina finished the Olympic event tied for 13th place, while Pagdanganan secured an impressive fourth-place finish. Despite the uniform debacle, both golfers demonstrated resilience and skill on the international stage.
Floro emphasized that while Ardina and Pagdanganan are professional players with their own teams, sponsors, and management, the NGAP remains committed to supporting them whenever needed.
“They are their own corporations now. May sari-sarili silang mga team at mga sponsor, may mga handlers and managers din yan. Pero tumutulong naman po tayo. Pag kailangan nila ng tulong, nandiyan naman si NGAP. We coordinate with the PSC, POC, and the IOC. Pag kailangan nila ng tulong, nandiyan naman tayo,” he stated.
