THE Philippines yesterday promised to “exercise due diligence” in making sure foreign athletes participating in this year’s South East Asian (SEA) Games will have a memorable stay.

“We are not promising that the games will run without a hitch, given the countless athletes who will participate and represent their respective countries,” presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement.

“But we will exercise due diligence in making sure everyone will have a pleasant, productive and memorable stay in the Philippines,” he added.

Malacanang apologized for the inconvenience that some foreign athletes have been experiencing. Delegates from Timor-Leste, Myanmar and Cambodia were reportedly welcomed poorly. The teams have also detailed their experiences on social media.

“We can no longer undo what has been done,” Mr. Panelo said. “The Office of the President will not offer any excuses. As host country, we apologize for the unintentional inconvenience suffered by our athlete guests.”

The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee has also apologized for the inconvenience. “We acknowledge our shortcoming in this particular incident and vow to do better,” it said in a statement. — Gillian M. Cortez

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