Controversy over logistics may pose a risk to the Philippines, but hosting SEA Games 30 also creates great opportunities for the country.

The 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by the Philippines opened on November 30. However, scandals related to logistics have become the focus of the Philippines these days instead of winning medals.

The SEA Games are held every two years and this is the fourth time the Philippines hosts the region's largest sporting event. Organizers see the sports festival from November 30 to December 11 as an opportunity to promote the Philippines. Previous editions of the Philippines in 1981, 1991 and 2005 were not as famous as this time.

About 9,000 still encourage and officials from 11 countries in the region to participate in 530 matches of 52 sports, along with about 10,000 volunteers. Brunei initially hosted the 30th SEA Games, but withdrew later with "organizational reasons". The Philippines is said to have budgeted at least 7.5 billion pesos (over 147 million USD) for the event.

Amid logistical scandals, critics questioned how the budget was used. Opposition Senator Franklin M. Drilon argued that the sporting event could be held at a lower cost if not spent 55 million pesos ($ 1 million) to build the SEA Games torch tower.

Drilon, who wanted Congress to conduct an investigation into allegations that money could be misused, questioned why the government had to spend 9.5 billion pesos ($ 187 million) to build the New Clark sports center. City in Tarlac province instead of just upgrading the Rizal Memorial sports complex in Manila.

He also questioned the establishment of the Organizing Committee of the Southeast Asian Games, which is responsible for overseeing the event if it is necessary for agencies such as the Philippines Sports Commission and the Olympic Games Committee of the Philippines to take over. .

House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano, head of the House Sports Committee, described the torch tower as a work of art designed to show Filipinos' ingenuity, while new sports facilities The built, including a stadium and an underwater center, is worth making.

Prior to the opening of the SEA Games, Filipino officials had stopped arguing for organizers to focus on the task, fulfilling the host role. This is also to avoid distracting athletes, especially Filipino athletes.

However, the question now is whether the Philippines needs to organize events like the SEA Games.

Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion at UnionBank of Philippines Inc, one of the largest banks in the Philippines, thinks that organizing the SEA Games is worth the effort and cost.

"It's good because we can fulfill our obligations as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," he said in an interview. "We can also show the essence of Filipinos as hospitable hosts."

According to him, SEA Games is an investment that will bring benefits. "At this point, I still see this as a major investment in national sports development, sports tourism and putting the New Clark City project on the map. Real estate and sports tourism will also be. benefit from hosting, "Asuncion added.

Robert Dan J. Roces, an economist at Security Bank Corp, said that the main benefit and the risk of organizing such an event is the reputation of the country. He cited the potential waste of unused buildings after SEA Games.

"However, we do not see this happening to our new locations because the government has been trying to develop world-class facilities," he said. "We don't see much risk that the country will fall into a Brazilian-style recession, the country that organizes the Olympics is actually doing more harm than good for their economy."

Margielyn Didal, a gold medalist in Asian Games, said the organization of the SEA Games would allow Filipino athletes to appreciate their position.

Skateboarding will appear at this year's SEA Games. The Philippines has almost no training facilities for skaters like skating parks, but thanks to SEA Games, facilities have been built in Tagaytay. Didal hopes it's the beginning of many other parks.

However, Asuncion experts said organizers should still have clear answers to the allegations against them. "Transparency can help dispel fear and anxiety. If there is nothing to hide, organizers should continue to participate and be open to more careful consideration and responsibility," Asuncion said.