POC body defers GTK decision

The election committee of the Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday deferred its decision on the eligibility of athletics chief Go Teng Kok, who is seeking to run against Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. in the POC elections on Nov. 30 at Alabang Country Club.

A source said the election committee of former congressman Victorico Chaves, Ricky Palou of Ateneo and La Salle’s Bro. Bernie Oca has reached a consensus on Go’s status but the three-man panel instead decided to announce its verdict on Monday at the earliest. Chaves and Palou couldn’t be reached for comment.

Go said he would file a temporary restraining order as soon as the election committee disqualifies him from challenging Cojuangco, the incumbent POC head who is running for a third straight term.

“Obviously, they are buying more time by announcing it on Monday. But I’m still waiting,” said Go, president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.

The election committee has already received an authenticated copy of the Supreme Court ruling that dismissed the appeal of the POC and upheld the decision of the Pasig Regional Trial Court that Go should not be considered “persona non-grata” by the local Olympic body.

Cojuangco has frowned on the possible backlash of a TRO in the elections from the International Olympic Committee.

“We are misusing the courts in doing this,” said POC spokesperson Joey Romasanta.