Fernandez joined Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the SEA Games organizing committee Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee , in defending the government expense for the project.
“Works of art are not judged by the current cost and beauty today. This SEA Games cauldron will win the hearts of those who appreciate art, whether Filipinos or foreigners, as a significant landmark designed by a Filipino architect,” he explained. The doubts aired on the authenticity of the design went viral on social media as it further fanned accusations of wrongdoing on the part of Cayetano and the Phisgoc which he heads.