Former POC chief Peping Cojuangco and newly-elected president Ricky Vargas during the turnover ceremony. Photo by June Navarro
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Ricky Vargas walked up to his predecessor, Peping Cojuangco, and both gentlemen shook hands as a sign of reconciliation.
Since the heated and divisive POC elections almost two weeks ago, Vargas and Cojuangco were in the same board room for the first time on Tuesday, ready to collaborate in plotting the course of Philippine sports.
“This exercise has brought us many hurts and partisan politics and I offer my hand as I have offered it to (International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines) Mikee (Cojuangco-Jaworski) and president Cojuangco privately in reconciliation,” said Vargas.
Newly installed POC chair and Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino presided over the first executive board meeting in the Vargas era, a day after they were sworn into office by President Duterte in Malacañang.
“I acknowledge the accomplishments of president Cojuangco and look forward to his support,” added Vargas.