Tolentino becomes chairman

By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) chief Ricky Vargas was elected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president following elections last week at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.

After defeating long-time POC President Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco, 24-15, Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez called it “a brand new start for Philippine sports.”

Meanwhile, Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines President Bambol Tolentino was also elected chairman after defeating Philippine Table Tennis Federation head Ting Ledesma.

Both Vargas and Tolentino were earlier disqualified from running but the POC announced new elections following a decision by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court declaring the 2016 POC elections null and void, citing anomalies surrounding the decision for disqualification.

“It’s another beginning and there’s much to be done,” said former PSC chief, Dr. Perry Mequi. “The leadership issues [with] many [national sports associations] must be resolved as soon as possible because we have many international sports commitments.”

For Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella, he called it a time for unity.

“It’s a good start for new Philippine sports,” he said. “It’s time to unite for the good of the athletes.”

The former Bacolod City mayor earlier called for all POC positions to be up for election.

“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?”/JSG, WDJ