Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping defended the government sports agency on Tuesday from allegations that it neglected the country’s athletes during their preparation and participation at the Laos Southeast Asian Games last month.

Angping said in a press statement that the agency has provided all the benefits, allowances and support for the athletes who competed in the biennial meet as contrary to what the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) executive board said in a recent paid advertisement.

“The PSC has been providing allowances, healthcare benefits through PCSM, dormitories and training facilities to the athletes,” Angping said.

“We also regularly fund foreign exposures and training requirements and pay for salaries of coaches, to further hone the athletes’ talents and prepare them for international competitions.”

Angping added the PSC, in fact, even provided P7,500 additional allowance and free meals before the competition apart from the $30 per day pocket money of the 153 athletes for the biennial meet.

The sports agency, likewise, handed down at total of P3.8 million in cash to the 38 SEAG gold medalists a day before the athletes took a holiday break, contradicting claims that winners went home with “their pockets full of promises.”

“All national athletes and coaches under PSC payroll also received Christmas incentives of P2,000 each,” Angping said. “Medal incentives under the Republic Act 9064 and from donors from the private sector were also distributed a week ago at Malacañang by President Arroyo, where a little more than P10million were given.

As to the accusations that the PSC is usurping the powers of the national sports associations, Angping said that the agency recognizes the autonomy and expertise of the NSAs in the selection and development of athletes.