The Manila city government on Wednesday denied reports that the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) is set to be demolished to give way to a commercial establishment.

"Maski na proposal to develop po 'yang Rizal Memorial Stadium ay wala po. Nothing concrete at the moment. Tsismis pa lang po iyan," City of Manila media relations officer Bambi Purisima said in a text message.

"Ni walang resolution or ordinance for that matter na galing sa Manila City Council. Malabo pa po 'yan," Purisima added.

The statement came after several athletes and government official became vocal about opposing the supposed plan.

A petition entitled "Save Rizal Memorial Sports Complex" has been posted on Change.org.

As of posting time, the petition has already gained 8,597 supporters.

The sports complex that was constructed in 1934 should not be demolished as it may be considered as a heritage site, the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) said.

"Iilan lang ang mga gusaling naiwan mag mula ng WWII. Ang Rizal Memorial ay isa sa mga gusaling naiwan," HCS official Mark Evidente said.

The facility is owned by the City of Manila and is being managed by the Sports Commission. It serves as the training and competition venue of at least 16 kinds of sports. --- with reports from Apples Jalandoni, ABS-CBN News.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.