PSC to curb selling of Phl Team apparel

Members of the Philippine national team looking to turn a quick profit from government-issued gear and official apparel face stiff disciplinary measures as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) moves to crack down on unauthorized reselling.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said they will discuss the matter in their next board meeting and will not hesitate to crack the whip on those who will be caught selling their government-issued apparel.

DAILY TRIBUNE first reported the issue after finding out that members of the national team had put their luggage and other apparel on sale on social media sites shortly after the 20th Asian Games two weeks ago.

“At the next PSC board meeting, the commissioners and I will discuss how we can stop the sale of these items, including bags and duffel bags,” Gregorio said during the Senate budget hearing on Wednesday.

“We will prohibit this practice and impose penalties. This will absolutely not be allowed.”

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate committee on sports, raised concerns over the online listings, saying the apparel and other merchandise should be treasured as mementos of representing the country in the international competition.

Go was actually in Nagoya during the Asian Games, were the Filipinos had a successful stint, bringing home four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Asian Games in Japan. It may be another 50 years before the Games are held in Japan again,” Go said.

He urged the PSC to prevent the resale of jackets, shorts, jogging pants, shirts and other items issued to athletes and officials.

Gregorio assured Go that the commission would take steps to prevent a repeat of the incident.

“We will enforce strict guidelines moving forward, Mr. Chairman, so this does not happen again,” Gregorio said.