Secretary General: One representative per sports association

By Paulo Loreto Lim

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Secretary General Stephen Hontiveros recently sent out a memorandum reminding members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Sports Associations (NSAs), and athletes of the scheduled POC Extraordinary General Assembly on February 19, along with the elections for POC president and chairman on February 23, both set to take place at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club West Side Grill function room in Mandaluyong City.

IOC Deputy General Director Pere Miró, who also serves as director for national Olympic committee relations and Olympic solidarity, earlier penned a letter to the POC recommending the local organization resolve matters before a general assembly.

With regard to the upcoming election, Hontiveros cited the POC Constitution, noting, “Please be reminded that only the president, secretary general, or a duly authorized vice president can represent their NSA during this meeting.”

Last year, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court-Branch 155 declared the 2016 Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections null and void, citing the disqualification of presidential candidate, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) President Victorio Vargas, as the POC executive board acted “beyond the scope of its power and authority.”

The court ordered new elections to be contested between Vargas and incumbent POC President Jose Cojuangco, who has held the position since 2004.

Last month, Philippine Weightlifting Association (PWA) President Monico Puentevella, who previously served as POC chairman, requested all POC positions be made available.

“All positions should be opened for election,” he said. “How can we assure that change happens in POC governance if those [sitting] in the other positions remain?”/PLL, WDJ