PSC trying to influence polls–Lopez

Manny Lopez Tuesday accused Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia of interfering in the coming Philippine Olympic Committee elections by trying to persuade leaders of national sports associations to vote for incumbent president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.

Lopez, who is seeking reelection as POC first vice president in the Nov. 30 polls at Alabang Country Club, branded Garcia’s action as “government intervention.”

Garcia heads the sports agency that funds, among other activities, the training and overseas stints of athletes and teams.

“What can you say about the PSC chair calling each member (NSA) of the POC to help Peping (Cojuangco)? Isn’t it a form of government intervention?” Lopez said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Garcia vehemently denied Lopez’s accusations.

“Name an NSA that we have pressured,” said Garcia. “I have been neutral and the funding of all NSAs are being given according to budget and schedule.”