Bishop urges public to ‘set aside bitter criticism’ on SEA Games

Bishop Ruperto Santos. (Photo from a video of the Diocese of Balanga)

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the public to “set aside bitter criticisms” amid some issues surrounding the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, who heads the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Peoples (CBCP-ECMI), said that the public should unite and show hospitality toward foreign delegates visiting the country.

“Let us all together, one and united to show our true face, that is, our caring and compassionate hospitality. We are all welcoming and endearing Filipinos, and so let them experience from us warm, concern and friendship,” Santos said in an interview with Radio Veritas.

“Let us set aside bitter criticism, unsavoury comments which will not inspire nor encourage our athletes and guests,” Santos added.

The country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games was met with criticisms ranging from accommodation, transport, and facility issues.

Photos of the Cambodian football team sleeping on the floor circulated on social media, with the hotel management explaining that the team arrived early and that the hotel was still fully occupied upon their arrival.

Food issues were also reported including alleged insufficiency in halal food for athletes, among others.

Photos of unfinished facilities, such as the press center at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, also went viral which drew the ire of netizens and several government officials.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation Inc., Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano has apologized for the inconveniences experienced by the delegates.

The opening ceremony for SEA Games will be on Saturday, November 30.

Edited by JPV