The country is all set to host the Southeast Asian Games, which organizers expect to be watched by one billion people around the world through television and social media.
Cayetano chairs the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, which, together with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), is in charge of preparations.
The hosting rights were originally awarded to Brunei Darussalam, but the country pulled out days before the 2015 Southeast Asian Games due to "financial and logistical reasons.
The Philippines was set to host the games, after Brunei's withdrawal. However, the Philippines' hosting was left uncertain following the withdrawal of government support on July 2017 as it planned to use the funds intended for the games on the rehabilitation of Marawi after being occupied by ISIS supporters. Thai officials even offered to host the games if no other interested country announced interest. This also happened with Indonesia after a successful 2018 Asian Games. The Indonesian government was considering the possibility of Jakarta and Palembang to host the games.
Cayetano confirmed that boxing icon Sen. Manny Pacquiao would have a role in the opening ceremonies on Nov. 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
A third lawmaker that has to do with the SEA Games is Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman, who heads the Philippine polo team.
He and his team have just returned from a two-week practice in Argentina, where he injured himself in a fall.
The MMDA implemented a trial stop and go scheme on selected roads for the games.
