By Clarence Concepcion
Amid questions over the support given to Filipino athletes during the 2026 Asian Games, Pilipinas Sepaktakraw president Karen Claire Tanchanco-Caballero defended the assistance provided by the country’s sports agencies.
Her remarks came during the Senate Committee on Sports hearing Thursday in Pasay City, following concerns over financial assistance raised by Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball captain Bryan Bagunas.
Bagunas earlier revealed that some volleyball players had not received their regular allowances since July, forcing teammates to borrow money for transportation to training. He acknowledged receiving assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) during the Asian Games.
The disclosure prompted the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to apologize and senators to seek explanations about the handling of athlete funding.
Tanchanco-Caballero, however, said her association encountered no such difficulties, crediting the PSC and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for addressing their needs before departure.
“Mr. Chair, Pilipinas Sepak Takraw reiterates that our NSA received full support from PSC and POC during the 2026 Asian Games,” she said.
“In fact, spoiled nga kami kasi three weeks before we left, tinatawagan na kami na kunin niyo na ‘yung allowance ng mga atleta at mga opisyal na aalis,” she added.
She also recalled receiving calls from POC personnel offering to deliver delegation kits, which helped her team concentrate on its campaign.
The sepak takraw delegation eventually captured silver in the women’s competition and bronze in the men’s division.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, meanwhile, explained that his organization occasionally shoulders expenses while awaiting government fund releases to prevent interruptions in athletes’ preparations.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go chaired the hearing under Proposed Senate Resolution No. 674, which examines the country’s Asian Games participation and identifies possible improvements in athlete assistance ahead of future international competitions.
