POC, PSC urged to settle differences for PH athletes

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

Without admitting any rifts, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said he would try to patch things up with the head of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Cojuangco gave this commitment on Tuesday when Senator Manny Pacquiao categorically asked Cojuangco and PSC chairman William Ramirez during a hearing of the Senate committee on sports if they are in good terms.

“May I ask you a hard question? Are you (in good terms?)” Pacquiao, chairman of the committee, asked, directing his questions to the two sports officials.

READ: Pacquiao vows to reform PH sports sector

Cojuangco initially answered the senator’s query by pointing out that he and Ramirez have been together since the Philippines hosted for the first time the Southeast Asian Games in 2005.

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“Sabi nyo nagkakasundo kayo so I’m hoping na ‘yung mga sinasabi n’yong problema. Alam natin ‘yung mga problema natin, ano ang gagawin natin talaga kung saan tayo mag uumpisa so I’m hoping na mauumpisahan ‘yan. Hindi lang sa salita, aksyonan natin. Common sense lang, common sense,” Pacquiao said.

(You said that you are in good terms, so I’m hoping that you know how to address the problems of our athletes since you are aware what these problems are. I hope you act on these, and not just provide lip service. It’s all about common sense.)

“Naniniwala ako na lalam n’yo na ‘yung problema d’yan so both of you kailangan siguro mag-coordinate kayo kasi pagka hindi kayo nagkakasundo, ang maapektuhan ‘yung mga atleta natin kasi magkakaroon sila ng tinawatag na padrino, palakasan system…” the senator added.

(I believe that both of you already know the problem so I expect you to coordinate with each other. Because if you do not settle your differences, our athletes will be the ones affected, they will resort to patronage.)

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Reacting to Pacquiao’s statement, Cojuangco said, “Hindi ko maipapangako sa ‘yo na (sa) lahat ng bagay magkakasundo kami ni Chairman Ramirez pero at least nagkasundo kami na pilitin kaming magkasundo.”

(I cannot promise to you that Chairman Ramirez and I will agree on everything, but at least we are in agreement that we will try our best to be on good terms.)

Ramirez, who was seated beside Cojuangco, did not give any statements about his relationship with the POC head. IDL/rga