Duterte wants Ramirez back at PSC, says Go

Former Philippine Sports Commission chair William “Butch’’ Ramirez could again be at the helm of the government sports agency.

Presidential special assistant Christopher “Bong’’ Go was quoted by a newspaper in Davao City that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte wants Ramirez to lead the PSC.

Ramirez sat as the agency’s chairman for almost five years from 2005 to 2009.

During his term, the Philippines won its first overall championship title in the Southeast Asian Games held in Manila 2005.

Filipino athletes won four gold medals in the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar when Ramirez stood as the country’s chef de mission.

Ramirez, also appointed chef de mission in the 2005 SEAG, actively campaigned for Duterte during the presidential elections and was designated advance party head of the Duterte Campaign Team.

“Mayor Duterte wants Ramirez. He’s accustomed to the PSC. Mayor trusts him in sports,’’ the Sun.Star Davao Tuesday quoted Go as saying.

Ramirez couldn’t be reached for comment but told the Inquirer in previous interviews that he would rather stay in Davao City to be with his family than go back to the PSC.

“Butch already knows what Mayor wants or doesn’t want. I hope Butch reconsiders,’’ added Go.