By Myris Lee
The Philippines closed out the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG), finishing fourth overall in Vietnam.
This was the second time the Philippines finished with a total of 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals. It is also the best haul for the country when the games are hosted outside the Philippines.
Ironically when the SEAG was hosted in Hanoi in 2003, the country also finished fourth in the overall rankings. At the time, the Philippines finished with 49 gold, 55 silver, and 75 bronze medals.
At the time, the top three countries also finished in the same order. Host Vietnam ranked first followed by Thailand and Indonesia.
In the games held in 1979 and 1997, the Philippines managed to do well, sitting at the 4th spot in the overall rankings.
The country ranks 5th in the all-time medal tally of the SEA Games. – bny
