Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella on Tuesday belied allegations made by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) that he mishandled the P50.5-million that was used to finance the operation of five sports played during the 2005 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Bacolod City.

While admitting that the funds he got from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) were deposited to his private account in Bacolod, Puentevella said there was no other recourse at that time owing to “time constraints.”

Puentevella, also Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman, said the PSC may have “probably felt that this was the way to do it because of time constraints.”

“There was not enough time for the procurement, bidding and construction of the floodlighting systems at the Paglaum Sports Complex and Panaad Park and Stadium,” said Puentevella, noting that “it was only on July 28, 2005 when the first tranche of financial assistance was released to us, which is four months before the start of the games.”

“Considering the massive convergence of activities and coordination of diverse Games requirements, we were prevented the luxury of time and hindsight. Decision-making processes were instantaneous and spontaneous based on the basic parameter that such actions or decisions were needed and necessary at that particular time and instant,” said Puentevella.

As a result of the chaotic situation, Puentevella told the Commission on Audit that while the documentation and accounting was not in unison with the system or form required by government accounting and auditing procedures, the liquidation report submitted to the COA was done by a respected auditing firm.

The PSC has demanded that Puentevella return the whole amount so criminal and administrative charges being planned against him is not carried out.

According to the PSC legal department headed by Sixto Brillantes, Puentevella has been unable to come up with receipts to support the expenses incurred.

Boxing, beach volleyball, volleyball, weightlifting, and football were hosted by Bacolod, while some others wound up in Cebu and the majority of events were staged in Manila.