Lack of will hurting POC

By NICK GIONGCO


MANILA, Philippines — With six weeks to go before the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia, Philippine sports officials are at a loss on how to compel some associations to complete their lineups after the deadline has lapsed.

Thankfully, Indon organizers extended the deadline in deference to the recent devastating typhoons that ravaged large parts of the country. But the extension has not moved the other teams to take advantage and the Philippine delegation remained incomplete until yesterday despite repeated admonitions from the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Because the delegation is still incomplete, the POC cannot send the lineup as organizers don’t want the composition of the national team submitted by installments.

The POC is practically held hostage by such associations as billiards, cycling and table tennis, among others, whose lineups remain a mystery.

Even football has yet to submit its lineup as officials reportedly are trying to get more foreigners with Filipino blood to join the Under-23 team so it can make an impact in the SEA Games.

"There are NSAs that still cannot decide who to send," said Camacho who appeared too weak to discipline the recalcitrant NSAs.

As of Monday, Camacho said the SEAG secretariat has listed 473 athletes and 160 officials.

“We’ve reminded them about the deadline many times,” said Camacho in exasperation.

Sports officials have predicted the Philippines would place in the top three overall with Camacho even going out on a limb that the country would win the overall championship.

But how can you believe these officials when they can’t even have a complete team 45 days before the actual competition?


Manila Bulletin