Netizens are complaining about the lack of live coverage in the second match of legendary billiard player Efren “Bata” Reyes in 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Friday.
Several netizens posted their thoughts on Twitter, questioning media outlets why they seem to ignore a living legend like Reyes, who representing the country in SEA Games for the last time of his career.
“Di ko magets, si Efren “Bata” Reyes ay living legend. Isang sports icon din pero wala man lang kahit livestream ng laro niya? Ganun ba kawalang kikitain tong mga nagbobroadcast para hindi ipakita man lang ang laban mg isang ICON?” @paragaspat said.
Di ko magets, si Efren “Bata” Reyes ay living legend. Isang sports icon din pero wala man lang kahit livestream ng laro niya? Ganun ba kawalang kikitain tong mga nagbobroadcast para hindi ipakita man lang ang laban mg isang ICON?
— Patrick ⭐️ (@ParagasPat) December 6, 2019
“Sobrang much-anticipated ang games ni Efren Bata Reyes, pero ang hirap humanap ng live coverage ano ba itu,” aikalog twitted.
Sobrang much-anticipated ang games ni Efren Bata Reyes, pero ang hirap humanap ng live coverage ano ba itu
— Aika (@aikalog) December 6, 2019
“BAKIT WALANG LIVE YUNG LARO NI EFREN BATA?!!!!! @Sports5PH @abscbnsports #seagames2019 #WeWinAsOne,” @sirlancelambert asked.
BAKIT WALANG LIVE YUNG LARO NI EFREN BATA?!!!!! @Sports5PH @abscbnsports #seagames2019 #WeWinAsOne
— Lance Lambert Ayson (@sirlancelambert) December 6, 2019
Some netizens only relied on the tweets of several journalists who are watching the match in person.
Reyes faced Dihn Nai Ngo of Vietnam in the semifinals of 1-Cushion Carom held at Manila Hotel Tent.
The lack of live stream in several games including billiards was already explained by blogger Rj “Thinking Pinoy” Nieto on his post.
According to Nieto, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISCOG) prohibits anyone from live streaming and only media partners is allowed to broadcast the event.
Nieto tried to Livestream the water polo sports but an official reminded him that they’re not allowed to broadcast the said event.
“Covering such events is expensive. I have used my hard-earned money to pay thousands for gasoline, telecoms, and manpower, to do so. I wanted to do it for you guys for free as part of Public Service, but Phisgoc prevents me from doing so,” Nieto said.