Minister Phairoj Vikiniyatanee of Thailand commended the Bacolod Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee for its successful hosting of the biennial meet in Bacolod City in November and December last year.

In his letter to BaSoc co-chairmen Rep. Monico Puentevella and Mayor Evelio Leonardia dated Jan. 18, Vikiniyatanee said he congratulates the BaSoc for its impressive effort to successfully host the SEA Games.

Bacolod City hosted the beach volleyball, weightlifting, indoor volleyball, boxing and men's football --- the world's most popular sport --- hostilities of the biennial meet last year.

Vikiniyatanee said he also commends BaSoc secretary-general Eric Loretizo and retired General Vicente Ponteras for their assistance during the SEA Games.

"The peace and order in Bacolod City during the SEA Games was admirable. The security measures employed were very impressive," he said.

The Thai minister said he appreciates the efforts of the Services and Support Group, co-chaired by congressional wife Josefa Puentevella and Bacolod first lady Elsa Leonardia, for ensuing a comfortable and worry-free experience for the different delegates.

"Your hosting of the occasion helped in the realization of the purpose of the event to strengthen the ties between Southeast Asian nations," Vikiniyatanee said.

"The successful conclusion of the Games helped us achieve the mission of having one Southeast Asia," Vikiniyatanee said in the letter, despite the negative comments made by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the biennial meet.

Shinawatra had claimed that the Philippines rigged the results of the SEA Games, which the country won for the first time.

Meanwhile, Puentevella filed a resolution Tuesday institutionalizing the congressional medal of distinction for individuals who have contributed to national prestige and international recognition through their efforts in their respective fields of endeavor.

The Bacolod solon said in the resolution that Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao should be the first awardee because of his feats in the boxing ring.

Pacquiao, who is an adopted son of Bacolod City, displayed his patriotism by dedicating his victory over Mexican rival Erik Morales two weeks ago to the Philippines and his countrymen, Puentevella said.

"By uniting the Filipino people in celebration, Pacquiao is the ideal choice for the award," he added.

Pacquiao is set to have a rematch with Morales in September of what is expected to be the last bout of their megabuck trilogy.

The House of Representatives should institutionalize the congressional medal of distinction for our modern sports heroes, who have been instrumental in the rising of the country, Puentevella said.*CIT

back to top