MANILA, Philippines--Unity may be a slow process, but the Philippine Olympic Committee?divided almost by half during its recent elections?hopes it will achieve it soon.

Newly re-elected president Peping Cojuangco on Friday expressed confidence that the Olympic body will be one solid unit when it takes on key issues starting with the Laos Southeast Asian Games next year and culminating with the 2012 London Olympics.

?We are people who genuinely love sports,? said Cojuangco during yesterday?s induction of officers at his Dasmariñas Village home in Makati. ?It?s natural to have different opinions but in general we are all on the same boat.?

The new POC officials? term will end in 2012 after the country tries anew to win its first ever Olympic gold medal in London.

The Philippines went home empty handed for three straight Olympiads.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno led the induction of the new POC leaders that included weightlifting?s Monico Puentevella, chair; boxing?s Manny Lopez, first vice president; sepak takraw?s Mario Tanchangco, second VP; bowling?s Steve Hontiveros, secretary general; wushu?s Julian Camacho, treasurer; and bodybuilding?s Corrina Mojica, auditor.