MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, May 28, expressed support for Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Ricky Vargas and chairman Abraham Tolentino amid an internal conflict.

"The Palace expresses support to Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas and POC Chairman Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Tuesday, May 28.

Vargas on Monday, May 27, terminated the appointments of POC board members Robert Bachmann, Joey Romasanta, Peping Cojuangco, Monsour del Rosario, and Charlie Ho. He cited "loss of trust and confidence" due to unauthorized meetings.

Panelo said sports should be spared from politics.

He also called on involved parties to just pay atttention to the Philippines's hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in November this year.

"We call on everyone to insulate sports from politics," the Palace official said.

"We should be together rallying behind and supporting all the Filipino athletes who are set to compete in the games as we extend our world-famous warmth and hospitality to our brothers and sisters in the region who are coming to Manila either to participate and represent or cheer their nations," he added. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)