Duterte said that the Philippines needs to unite, move forward and cannot be humiliated by the 30th SEA Games logistics scandal.

"The president and I talked last night. The president said go ahead and we will discuss the following complaints. There are only 4 days left, we cannot fail, we are the host country and no "That's what the President said," Senator Christopher Go, a former presidential aide, told reporters on November 27. Mr. Go is also the Chairman of the Sports Committee in the Philippines Senate.

Mr. Go's remarks came amid repeated media coverage of the chaos in organizing the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the Philippines. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte was aware of the complaints and very angry.

"The president told me to tell them to keep doing what they need to do, go ahead and unite," Sen. Go added.

Panelo previously said the President wanted to investigate the chaos at the SEA Games, including allegations of poor qualifications and corruption. Go also said that he would initiate an investigation into the matter.

Issues surrounding the SEA Games became the focus after four football teams complained about the reception. East Timor and Myanmar players have to wait for hours at the airport when they arrive in Manila. Many sports teams also complained about the lack of accommodation and the quality of their meals.

Meanwhile, Senate majority leader Juan Miguel Zubiri called for a halt to the SEA Games controversy at this time. "Perhaps we should stop arguing in the next two weeks, this will pass quickly. We need to focus on supporting the Philippine sports team. Without the support of Filipino people and fans, they We won't have the home court advantage we need, "he said.

SEA Games 30 takes place from November 30 to December 11, particularly matches of men's football took place a few days before. This is the fourth time the Philippines has hosted the largest sports festival in the region.