PBA chairman Mikee Romeo speaks during the 2017 PBA Season press conference at Makati Shangri-La. PBA IMAGES
PBA chairman Mikee Romero blasted the Philippine Olympic Committee after the controversial disqualification of Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) president Ricky Vargas from the elections.
Speaking in the 2017 PBA Season press conference on Monday at Makati Shangri-La, the GlobalPort owner called out the POC and said “enough is enough.”
“Dito po sa POC, I would just like to say it’s time to overhaul POC and it’s time to overhaul PH sports,” the 1-Pacman Representative Romero said.
As it stands, incumbent POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco is set to run unopposed anew as he seeks a fourth term.
The Vargas camp is still appealing the decision of Comelec chairman Frank Elizalde to bar the boxing chief from running in the Nov. 25 polls.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios, a former PBA commissioner, is also running for treasurer under the Vargas slate.
“Maawa na po tayo sa ating Philippine sports. Number six na po tayo sa SEA Games. Baka pag gising po natin the next day baka number 10 na tayo out of 11 countries.”
Since topping the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila with 113 golds, the country has been on a continuous decline in the medal table.
The country placed seventh in the 2013 Sea Games in Myanmar and sixth in the 2015 Sea Games in Singapore, both exiting the biennial tournament with only 29 gold medals in the last two offings.
“It is time for change. Let the democratic process find its own path, let it flow. But for me, it’s time to overhaul,” said Romero. “I think enough is enough for the POC.”