MANILA, 24 January 2003 — It’s on with the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Celso Dayrit made the assurance in light of recent political development in the country, particularly President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s announcement that she is not contesting the presidency in 2004.

Dayrit allayed fears in the sports circle, saying the country won’t back down from hosting the prestigious multi-event competition despite President Arroyo’s decision to step down after her term.

He stressed it is not enough reason for the country to turn its back on a commitment to hold the biennial meet, the region’s biggest multi-event conclave, and that the preparation to play host to the games “is going on.”

“It is a national commitment,” said Dayrit following talks with Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo on government’s support to the SEA Games’ staging. “There is no cause for alarm. There’s no indication of any change in course. We are proceeding with the work.”

Likewise, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Eric Buhain assured the government’s commitment to host the 2005 Games even if President Arroyo leaves office a year before the Games.

Buhain explained President Arroyo’s Executive Order 126, which set off the Philippine SEA Games organizing committee (Philsoc), is enough assurance that the government “will not renege on its commitment to the biennial meet.”

“There is an EO and it stands by itself, unless revoked by the next administration. The personalities might change but as far as the hosting is concerned, nothing has changed, the government remains committed to it. So, I don’t see why there’s some panic now,” he said.

This is the third time that the country is hosting the meet following successful staging of the games in 1981 and 1991, when the Filipinos hauled down 91 golds to finish second behind Indonesia by one mint.

Filipino sports officials expect to top the achievement of 1991, both on the athletic and organizational side.

“We still have three years to prepare for the SEA Games which we intend to hold November to December of 2005. We are very confident everything will work out well,” Dayrit added.

Earlier, there were reports that the president’s political move announced last Dec. 30 might force the POC to consider backing out as host of the 2005 Games.

The POC’s secretary-general, Romeo Ribaño of squash, made a statement, saying that the hosting of the games will no longer be a priority of the government after President Arroyo decided not to seek a fresh term.

He even raised the possibility of the POC withdrawing the hosting of the 2005 Games.

“Her decision actually changed the entire picture (as far as 2005 is concerned). She may or may not have the same dynamism about the hosting since she now has set her priorities,” said Ribaño.

“That’s (withdrawing from the 2005 hosting) an option, but one we would not like to take actually. And withdrawing now would only be fair for us and for the SEA Games because that would allow the country that would take our place to have enough time to prepare for 2005. The question now is “what now?” now that the president has declared she is not interested in 2004? How does it affect our preparations, more so, how do we handle the preparations from here on,” he added.

Dayrit denounced the statement made by Ribaño, saying the latter could not be talking on behalf of the POC.

“The fear is unfounded and was made rather prematurely,” said Dayrit. “I’ve been keeping in touch with (Executive) Secretary (Alberto) Romulo and there has never been a hint or sign of a change in course.”

Manila is bidding to host the meet and become its main hub. Bids are also coming from Clark Field in Angeles, Pampanga, Cebu City, Iloilo, Bacolod and North Cotabato.

Dayrit pointed out that not even a change in the national leadership after the 2004 elections would be enough reason for the Philippines to abandon the SEA Games hosting, considering that the country has waited so long to host the event.

According to Dayrit, whoever is elected as the next president of the country will surely look forward to hosting the games set in Vietnam later this year. Besides, giving up the right to host the Games will only create a negative impact on the country.

“President Arroyo also made it clear in a recent Cabinet meeting after her announcement that all programs of the government must go on so there is really nothing to worry about,” he added.

As a matter of fact, actual preparations for the country’s hosting of the 2005 Games is about to start this month with the first official function of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games organizing committee (Philsoc).

Dayrit said Romulo is preparing to convene the 11-man Philsoc, the body that will supervise the hosting, within the month.

The Philsoc is in charge of selecting the venues for the Games, the sports to be played, and the needs of some 7,000 athletes and officials from the 11 member-nations, among others.

A commitment letter, which President Arroyo signed last year, will be followed even after she steps down from office 18 months from now.

Dayrit said that a task force called the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Philsoc) is all set to meet this month to discuss the needs of the 2005 SEA Games.

Romulo is a member of the government side of the Philsoc, which will handle aspects like venue and infrastructure. The other members are Finance Secretary Nestor Camacho, Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella.

Dayrit said shooter Arturo Macapagal, a presidential relative, is constantly in touch with Southeast Asian Games Federation on the progress of the country’s bid to host it.

According to Buhain, the President herself had declared all government programs, including preparations for the 2005 conclave, will go on.