Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz has joined the call to keep the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC), insisting it is still useful as the main training facility for national athletes.
“Siyempre malungkot ako,” said Diaz when asked about her thoughts regarding RMSC’s possible sale if the Philippine Sports Commission relinquishes the rights to the sports facility to the City of Manila.
“Since 11-years-old ako andun na ako e. Andun ang lahat ng memories ko, dun ako nagsimula. Same din sa ibang atleta.
Kung mawala ang Rizal, parang mawalan kami ng isang bahay, kaya sana huwag,” added Diaz.
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez recently confirmed that the former Department of Justice chief Leila De Lima has ruled that Manila is the owner of RMSC.
That decision has since been seconded by current Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, which led to President Duterte giving approval to the PSC to negotiate with Manila.
It is actually up to Ramirez, who is set to meet with officials of Manila on Feb. 15, whether or not to relinquish its rights and get something in return which the sports agency can use to build a new facility in Pampanga.
Ramirez said that while he wants the PSC to have its very own sports complex, his heart is for the retention – and renovation – of the RMSC, the 9.6-hectare area that was built in 1934.
According to reports, business tycoon Enrique Razon has already expressed interest in purchasing the facility for R10 billion to turn it into a shopping and entertainment center.
Nothing is definite though.