Expulsion part of POC ploy for 2012, says Go

MANILA—Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok Saturday said his expulsion from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the leadership issues hounding other sports could be part of the run-up for next year’s POC elections.

Acknowledged as a key supporter when Jose (Peping) Cojuangco Jr. was reelected for the top POC post in 2008, Go said the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation also lost its NSA status for supporting Cojuangco’s POC rival then, Art Macapagal.

“They can expel me. But my mind, strategy, experience and influence will always be there,” said Go as he vowed to be active again, this time against Cojuangco, in next year’s POC polls.

Go said that a leading challenger in Cojuangco’s expected bid for a third term is Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Ricky Vargas.

He added that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and Smart/PLDT boss Manny V. Pangilinan is also the best choice as the new International Olympic Committee representative to the country in place of Frank Elizalde, whose term ends next year.

“There is a new ruling that says IOC representatives can only hold to their posts for two terms or up to the age of 80, unlike before when they can be members for life,” Go said.

Not all countries are represented in the IOC though nations which have hosted the Olympics are allotted two seats in the 113-man body.

Elizalde has been IOC representative to the Philippines since 1985, but there are members who have been there longer like Olympian and former Fifa (International Football Association) president Joao Havelange of Brazil who was member since 1963.

Go said Pangilinan is the best choice because of his stature. But to get the position, he would need to earn the nod of  IOC members.