Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez has assured the public that the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) – on which he shares vice chairmanship with Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas – is “on track, we are doing fine”.
Ramirez made this statement in a press briefing on Friday afternoon, which he called to provide the media with information on the status of the PHISGOC.
“We still have around seven months to prepare.
“They have been working, but the pace will quicken now as we near the date,” shared Ramirez.
On Friday, upon the instructions of the Senate, the PSC submitted the breakdown for the 7.5-billion budget of the event.
“This was submitted to us by the PHISGOC, but we submit it with a note that everything will be subject to the review of the PSC,” said the agency chief, as his office prepare to disburse the monies once this is released to the PSC.
With the management of the sizable budget now falling on the shoulders of the sports agency, Ramirez bared that he will take “more active role” in the administration and preparation of the Games. He also said that he expects more PSC officers to take critical roles as he assures everyone that the agency shall ensure the proper management and judicious spending of funds.
Asked on the issuance of an Executive Order for the Games, Ramirez said that he defers to PHISGOC Chairman, Sec. Alan Cayetano on the matter, and that he is confident that this will soon be released. The issuance of an EO will help the agency and the PHISGOC on their preparations, as this usually calls on the cooperation and support of all government instrumentalities.
