POC president Abraham Tolentino confident of strong Philippine finish at SEA Games 2025

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) are currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand, with the Philippines sending one of its largest delegations in history—a 1,600-strong contingent competing across a wide range of sporting disciplines.

As of December 17, Team Philippines has posted a mixed but encouraging campaign, collecting 37 gold medals, 55 silver medals, and 120 bronze medals for a total haul of 212 medals. That tally places the country sixth in the overall medal standings, with several marquee events still to be contested in the final stretch of the biennial meet.

Despite the competitive landscape, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino remains optimistic that the medal count—particularly in gold—will rise before the Games conclude. He noted that many of the country’s strongest medal prospects have yet to see action, especially in events where Filipino athletes have historically performed well.

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“There is still a lot more to come. The next three days are going to be tough. That’s when it peaks. I think we are looking at 15 more medals. We have already got three, four. Maybe one more, that makes it five, ten more. Basketball, boxing, speed skating, there is still hope in all those events,” Tolentino said during a media interaction.

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Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino attends the ongoing SEA Games Federation Council Meeting, shaping the future of regional sports! | 📸 AJ Bolando/Cignal#SEAGames33 #SEAGamesThailand #TibayAtTatag pic.twitter.com/J393yS0Bem

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However, Tolentino also acknowledged the challenges of competing in a tightly contested field, particularly with host nation Thailand enjoying home advantage.

“I can’t even say how many more, because Thailand is the host,” he added.

Beyond the medal race, Tolentino expressed satisfaction with the broader trajectory of Philippine sports, citing the country’s emergence as a consistent force in Southeast Asia. He pointed to strong performances across multiple disciplines—not just traditional medal-rich events—as a sign of improved grassroots development, better athlete support systems, and sustained investment in high-performance programs.

The Philippines’ recent success in regional and international competitions, including the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers, has further reinforced its growing reputation as a sporting powerhouse in the region. With several finals and key matchups still ahead, Team Philippines is aiming to close out the SEA Games on a strong note and build momentum for future global competitions.

As the 33rd SEA Games enter their decisive phase, all eyes will be on Filipino athletes as they look to convert remaining opportunities into podium finishes. Whether in basketball, boxing, speed skating, or other events yet to unfold, the Philippines hopes to cap its campaign with a surge that reflects both its depth of talent and its rising stature in Southeast Asian sports.

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