(Photo courtesy of Philippine Sports Commission)
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a review of the support provided to Filipino athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, following complaints of financial difficulties faced by members of the national delegation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government would look into the concerns raised by Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team captain Bryan Bagunas and determine whether there were shortcomings in the assistance provided to athletes.
Bagunas had disclosed that some team members had not received their regular allowances since July and had resorted to borrowing money or using their own funds for transportation and other expenses. The Philippine National Volleyball Federation later apologized and acknowledged that some players had shouldered expenses themselves.
Castro said authorities would first establish the facts and identify where any lapses may have occurred before assigning responsibility.
She added that officials found to have mishandled funds or abused their authority should be held accountable, stressing that the President does not want athletes representing the country to be left without adequate support
