By Mario Casayuran
Any Senate inquiry into issues surrounding the alleged “extravagant’’ construction of facilities for the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) should be frozen.
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson
(CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
‘’There’s a time for that. I’d rather that we discuss that or even investigate after the Games,’’ Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon had raised questions on the ‘’expensive’’ physical preparations for the SEAG that has already cost less than P10 billion.
Drilon had specifically questioned the P50 million expenditure for the ‘’Cauldron’’ (Kaldero) that would be lighted to signal the start of the SEA Games.
‘’As much as possible, gusto ko ang discussion tungkol sa SEA Games after the Games. Baka sa halip ma-focus tayo sa international event na iho-host natin, baka ang focus mapunta sa sinasabing excessive, questionable, or masyadong extravagant na paggastos,’’ Lacson said. (Any discussion about the SEA Games should be done after the Games. Our focus should be on our hosting and not on allegations that expenditures for the Games are questionable or extravagant.)
Lacson said any investigation might also negatively affect the athletes.
‘’Kasi baka magkaroon ng perception na mali o tama, pero nasa isip nila hindi sila maka-focus sa Games,’’ he pointed out. (Their perception on whether expenses for the preparations are right or wrong might affect their focus on their games.)
He expressed concern that the current controversy on expenditures might also affect the organizers’ intention of an orderly SEA Games.