Palace remains ‘undaunted’ by SEA Games woes

MANILA, Philippines — On Saturday, the opening day of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Malacañang remained “undaunted” by reports of glitches marring the preparations of the biennial sports meet.

“We are undaunted by the initial snafus in logistics which were unfortunately aggravated by the proliferation of fake news, as we commence with excitement — and hope for a historic milestone — in hosting the 30th SEA Games,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He added that the Palace once again apologized for “whatever inconvenience” the participating athletes went through, and vowed to probe “whatever irregularities there were, if any,” on the preparation of the event.

Days before the opening of the event, logistical troubles and unfinished venues earned the ire of netizens on social media, as well as sports officials and athletes.

President Rodrigo Duterte was said to be angry over the problems, Malacañang earlier said.

“The Philippines took the challenge of hosting this event not only to showcase the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos but also to contribute in the strengthening of our friendship with our neighbors in the region,” Panelo said of the country’s hosting of the games.

He added that may the sports event “ push the athletes and their support staff to generate into friendly competitive action their training and preparations and realize the true value of sports even as they experience it through cooperation, understanding and solidarity.”

The official opening of the 30th Sea Games is set to take place at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

/atm