Change not coming

From L-R: Lucas Managuelod, Bambol Tolentino, Ricky Vargas and Sonny Barrios. Photo by Marc Reyes

The clamor for change in the Philippine Olympic Committee has run into a brick wall in the form of a rule on general assembly attendance.

And the rule, which requires candidates for POC posts to attend 50 percent of GAs, which are held once every two months, practically paved the way for Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. to run for a fourth straight term unopposed.

Much hope in the sports sector was pinned on boxing president Ricky Vargas to end one of the worst stretches in the country’s sporting history. But with yesterday’s ruling, it looks like there will be no stopping Cojuangco.

“The disqualification clearly disregards the principles of fair play and prejudices, not just the rights of Abap and Mr. Vargas, but the interest and welfare of Philippine sports as well,” said lawyer and former PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who is Vargas’ spokesperson, in a statement yesterday.

The POC’s commission on elections, chaired by Frank Elizalde, yesterday disqualified Vargas along with cycling chief Bambol Tolentino, his running mate, from the quadrennial elections.

Elizalde cited article 7 section 11 of the POC charter as his basis. Deadline for filing of candidacy lapsed on Oct. 24. The deadline for protest is on Nov. 2.

It said that the candidate should have attended 50 percent plus one of the total number of GAs the past two years. The POC has GAs once every two months. Vargas failed to meet the criteria, although the boxing association has been present in all GAs, represented by secretary general Pato Gregorio or executive director Ed Picson.

“This is totally an objective observation,” said Elizalde. “I am quoting from a document that’s not been written yesterday, but for a few years.

“It’s pretty clear it’s the individual and not the NSAs itself, we are not here in any way to disparage or affect any candidacy,” he added.

The provision stated, however, does not specify a minimum requirement GA attendance for candidates.

Section 7, article 11 of the POC bylaws states: “The Chairman and the President of the POC must have had at least fours experience as NSA president of an Olympic sport at the time of his election as POC chairman or president, provided that they must be elected from any of the incumbent NSA presidents representing an Olympic sport, and provided further, that they have been an active member of the POC General Assembly for two consecutive years at the time of their election.”

Gregorio attended yesterday’s GA held at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and said they will dispute the decision based on their understanding of the rule on attendance.

“The lawyers are preparing the remedies available to Mr. Vargas and will determine whether it is pointless… to ask the election committee and the POC executive board for a reconsideration of the disqualification order,” added Salud.