SEA Games debacle: ‘Mahiya naman kayo’

By Alex P. Vidal

“The score never interested me, only the game.” – Mae West

“HAVE some shame” or “be ashamed of yourself” is the English translation of “mahiya naman kayo.”

The line became famous when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed it at corrupt Philippine officials involved in substandard and “ghost” flood control projects that failed during recent typhoons, vowing legal action against them during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025.

The problem is not on our athletes, as usual. Filipino athletes are among the most disciplined and world-class in the region. They have been magnificent and their performances, so far, have exceeded expectations.

Why must our sports officials show some shame?

Because our sports budget is not pittance. In 2024, the year our athletes started honing their skills in preparation for the 2025 SEA Games, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) received about ₱1.156 billion, up from an initial proposal, covering general admin, grassroots development, and major events.

A significantly lower ₱725 million was proposed, with funds earmarked for the SEA Games and Winter Asian Games preparations in the 2025 proposed budget.

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In the 2026 budget discussions, the Senate reviewed a proposal where the PSC would receive around ₱1.001 billion, indicating potential increases as the budget process continues.

The key factors are funding cuts: The 2025 proposal faced criticism for being a substantial cut, impacting training and development.

Advocacy for more funds: Senators and sports advocates pushed for increased funding, with some suggesting figures over ₱2 billion for amateur sports alone.

Event-driven allocations: Funds are often directed towards major international events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and SEA Games, as seen with the 2025 SEA Games funding.

Now that the Philippines has been buried deep in the medal tally (at 6th place as of this writing) of the soon-to-be-concluded 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, it’s time to use Mr. Marcos Jr.’s popular tirade at Philippine sports officials.

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Currently at 6th spot with 25 golds, 38 silvers, and 79 bronzes for a total of 142 medals, the Philippines is behind Vietnam (3rd spot with 40 golds, 47 silvers, 90 bronzes for a total of 157 medals), tiny Singapore (4th place with 34 golds, 32 silvers, 39 bronzes for a total of 105 medals), and Malaysia (5th place with 26 golds, 28 silvers, 80 bronzes for a total of 134 medals).

Never mind host Thailand (expected to reign supreme this year with 145 golds, 87 silvers, 60 bronzes for a total of 292 medals) and Indonesia (running 2nd with 52 golds, 65 silvers, 64 bronzes for a total of 181 medals).

Both the Thais and the Indons have been known to be SEA Games superpowers since time immemorial and there should be no heartbreaking moment if they collect more medals than their Filipino rivals, except if the Philippines is the host.

 

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In the SEA Games, we are supposed to be running third behind Thailand and Indonesia if not second behind the host country. Not fifth place; not sixth because there are only 10 countries participating in SEA Games.

In our current standing, it’s insulting to note we are a little bit better only to Myanmar (7th place with 3-17-22 with 42 medals), Lao People’s Democratic Republic (8th place with 2-6-16 with 24 medals), Brunei Darussalam (9th place with 1-3-4 with 8 medals), and Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (10th place with only 2 bronzes).

When it comes to success in the World Olympic Games, we lagged only behind Thailand (11 golds) and, again, Indonesia (10 golds). We have 3 golds in weightlifting and gymnastics.

(The author, who is now based New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)