Panelo says ‘friendship’ will not be in play in SEA Games mess probe

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will spare no one when the executive branch starts its own probe on the reported problems in the preparations for the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

In an interview with ANC on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo was asked on the credibility of the probe of the executive branch especially when the chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee is House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, a close ally of Duterte.

“Given the character of this President, wala naman ditong kai-kaibigan (friendships will not come into play),” Panelo said.

“You see how he (Duterte) fires people who are close to him. Kapag may irregularity (if there is irregularity), corruption, they will be accountable,” he added said.

Panelo earlier said Duterte was “displeased” over the reported complaints on the handling of the SEA Games.

While these inconveniences happen, Panelo said the issues could have been avoided as he noted that the organizers lacked creativity.

“The best thing to do here is, nandyan na yan (it’s already there)… whenever there is lacking, then fill it up. The country’s image and pride are at stake so let’s pull our resources together,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the executive branch’s probe will be separate from that of the Congress.

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, had earlier vowed to initiate a Senate inquiry into the issues that led to inconveniences that were experienced by delegates.

The issues reported included accommodation, food, transport, and unfinished facilities, among others.

Edited by MUF