Only IOC can pick own members, POC has no say

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Olympic Committee has no say on the choice of the next International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines.

POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta Wednesday clarified that the IOC is the solo body authorized to pick the successor of  Frank Elizalde, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 80 late this year.

Romasanta explained that Elizalde can push for his replacement to the IOC but the POC has absolutely nothing to do with it.

“It’s the IOC which chooses its representatives,” said Romasanta. “Although Frank (Elizalde), being a member of the IOC, can make a recommendation.”

Recent talks in the POC mentioned Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, daughter of POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., as a possible replacement of Elizalde.

Elizalde, the second Filipino to assume the post after the late Jorge Vargas, has been an IOC member with voting rights since 1985. He is pushing 80, the age of retirement for IOC members.

Not all countries have IOC representatives. Only 80 countries out of the 204 member-countries of the IOC have one or two executives.