Monsour del Rosario is seeking the help of Congress to stop the sale of Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila to a private land developer, a report said on Tuesday.

Del Rosario, a former Olympic taekwondo fighter, is currently the congressman representing the first district of Makati and also the secretary-general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association.

According to a report that appeared on Spin.ph, del Rosario has spoken to Senator Miguel Zubiri and fellow congressmen Bingbong Crisologo (Quezon City), Lito Atienza (Buhay party list) and Manny Lopez (Manila) among other lawmakers.

Del Rosario said the facility built in 1934 holds a special place in many athletes' hearts.

“Lahat silang mga Olympians, ayaw nilang mawala ang Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” del Rosario said during a press conference held by national sports officials on Tuesday.

He said he has spoken with Butch Ramirez, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, which is based at the sports complex, to voice his opposition over the planned sale.

“We had a fruitful meeting. I’m going to take steps geared towards how we will preserve and keep our oldest coliseum in Asia,” del Rosario said.

“This is not for me or chairman Butch. As an athlete, (the move to save the Rizal sports complex) is already for our children and our grandchildren.”

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