MANILA, Philippines—Compared to his past experience, the Philippines is “too hospitable” to people participating in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said on Wednesday.

Various complaints have been reported during the country’s hosting of the SEA Games including the alleged lack of quality of food being served to participants and unfinished construction of some venues of the event.

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But for Sotto, this year’s participants in the SEA Games can still be considered fortunate as he recalled his experience during his time.

“We are too hospitable!” he said in a statement. “In the SEA/Asian games I’ve participated in, we were left by the host country to fend for ourselves. If possible, they even make us uncomfortable to make sure we lose to them.”

“Why do you think the host country always wins? The host country is not supposed to feed them etc., etc., etc. We spent for our meals and other expenses even lodging,” Sotto added.

The Senate President said he plays bowling and participated in the Philippine team in 1978 Asian Games and in the 1977, 1978 and 1981 SEA Games either as a player or coach.

In 1978 and in 1985, he said, he also participated in the World Cup and in the President’s Cup in Indonesia from 1984 to 1986.

The Senate leader then joined calls to end the squabbling about SEA Games.

“There are times when we should stop bickering about petty things!” Sotto said.

Edited by JPV

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