By Pearl Gumapos
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Butch Ramirez on Friday said that the President has been invited to attend the Tokyo Olympics scheduled from July 23 to August 8.
“Ang Presidente, may slot doon sa International Olympic Committee (IOC) na inayunan ng national Olympic committee,” Ramirez told Radyo Pilipinas 2 during the PSC Hour program.
Ramirez said he and PSC Chief of Staff Marc Velasco will be flying to Tokyo as part of the delegation regardless of Duterte’s decision to go or not.
This means three government officials might watch the Tokyo Olympics if the President decides to join the delegation.
“Tama lang na nandoon kami for whatever the needs of the athletes financially. I don’t want to be reprimanded [by] our government for being remiss with supporting our athletes,” Ramirez said.
A roadblock that may prevent the President from attending is his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) which has been scheduled for July 26, which is well within the timeframe of the Olympics.
Another hindrance is the possibility of holding the entire Olympics behind closed doors due to the rising COVID-19 cases in the Japan capital.
The Philippines currently has 19 representatives to the Tokyo Olympics. -rir
