Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go is appealing to the government to ramp up its financial support to sports as he sponsored the proposed budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusements Board for 2023.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, said on Thursday that stepping up the country's sports programs is a weapon that can be used to beat drug addiction.

"Sports is a way for the youth not to get involved in drugs," Go said.

The proposed budget for the PSC was increased by P1 billion as the agency gets ready to send athletes to the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, ASEAN Para Games as a buildup for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The additional budget also hopes to lend a hand to the country's hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup and infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, Go expressed his dismay over the altercation that took place during the College of Saint Benilde vs Jose Rizal University game last Tuesday.

"We promote sportsmanship. I am a basketball fan and what happened was unfortunate. Violence has no place in sports," Go added.

In that game, John Amores of JRU attacked several players from the opposing squad and his act forced the league to suspended him indefinitely.