MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente Sotto III lambasted the critics of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games opening saying he would not be surprised if they even pray for the country’s loss.

“Sumobra na dunong ng mga pintasero. Pati si Ryan Cayabyab, Jimmy Antiporda, Eloisa Matias and also the group that directed the Opening ceremonies of the London Olympics gusto pang pakialaman,” Sotto said Monday in a statement to reporters.

ADVERTISEMENT

(It seems the critics’ know-how went through the roof. They even want to meddle with Ryan Cayabyab, Jimmy Antiporda, Eloisa Matias and also the group that directed the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics.)

Sotto noted how no one complained about the pre-recorded sketch of Queen Elizabeth and character James Bond during the 2012 London Olympics opening.

“In the opening ceremonies of the London Olympics, the segment of the Queen and James Bond was pre-recorded. Walang umangal [No one complained],” Sotto said.

“Dito sa atin reklamo ang mga epal bakit daw hiwalay at recorded yun lighting ni Manny [Pacquiao],” he added.

(Here, the critics complain why the opening was separated from the recorded lighting of the cauldron by Manny [Pacquiao].)

“I will not be surprised if these people are praying that we do not win!” Sotto further said.

The lighting of the cauldron featuring boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao and Filipina world boxing champion Nesthy Petecio at New Clark City was pre-taped.

This was aired during the formal opening of the games last Saturday held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.