MANILA -- Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping has called on the Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) to pay up the P4.37 million they allegedly owe from the PSC for hosting an international wrestling competition.

In a letter addressed to WAP president Abert Balde, Angping said the wrestling association still has to settle the unpaid balances totalling to P4,370,785.32 used for the hosting of the 2009 Asian Juniors Wrestling Championships last July.

“Please be reminded that you have violated our prior verbal discussion and agreements, despite the trust and sincerity that the undersigned had accorded the new officers of WAP,” said Angping, who graced the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey's UN Avenue Branch on Tuesday.

Angping said the expenses for the tournament actually amounted to P6,370,785.32 including accommodation, entry fees, video coverage, freight services for wrestling mats and the initial deposit for Image Travel, the event’s organizer.

He said the PSC has already deducted from the balance the P2-million financial assistance it has extended to WAP to make the hosting possible.

“The undersigned was made to believe that the rest of the expenditures will be shouldered by WAP using the participation fees collected,” said Angping.

Complaint vs Angping

Earlier, Valda’s camp filed a complaint against Angping for “violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act” before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Valda claimed that Angping failed to fulfill his obligations for the hosting of the wrestling meet and did not turnover to the wrestling organization the P3 million in tournament fees collected.

The wrestling official said the PSC chief designated Image Travel and Tour Corp. to take charge of the transportation and hotel accommodations for the tournament.

Angping also reportedly had sole discretion in choosing the suppliers of equipment and accommodations for the wrestling meet.

“To make matters worse, majority of the equipment and accommodations promised by Angping were not delivered by PSC; the WAP itself had to acquire and provide most of the necessary equipment and service in the ensuing days of the tournament,” the complaint stated.

“It’s full of lies,” replied Angping, stressing there’s no basis for the charges.

Angping said it’s the WAP that owes the PSC money, and not the other way around. His legal counsel, Paul de Vega, said they will answer the charges point by point, in the proper time, in the proper forum. With a report from The Philippine Star