Senator calls for end to bickering over huge SEA Games expenses

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Friday appealed for a “ceasefire” to the bickering over allegations of extravagant spending by the government for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

“We are hosting the games. We should concentrate on this,” Angara stressed, but pointed out that all public funds spent for the SEA Games would be audited by the Commission on Audit.

“[T]he negative news about the hosting of the [SEA] Games could also serve as a distraction to [our] athletes, who should be focusing on their training and events,” Angara said in a statement.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson agreed with his colleague, saying lawmakers could conduct legislative inquiries into the alleged overpricing and other questionable transactions after the SEA Games, which would be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“As much as possible, I want the discussion about the SEA Games after the [event]. There’s a time for that,” Lacson told reporters on Thursday.

“I’d rather that we discuss that or even investigate after the games because our athletes might be affected.”