POC cracks whip on erring NSAs

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has suspended the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and moved to expel the current leadership in arnis.

POC communications director Ed Picson said 39 out of the 43 voting national sports associations (NSAs) had signed to disenfranchise the group of Arnis Philippines head Raymond Velayo while tennis had been asked to meet certain conditions for reinstatement.

Philta was told to amend its constitution and bylaws and expand the association’s membership before holding an election to settle the conflict once and for all.

Philta president Antonio Cablitas and the faction of patron Jean Henri Lhuillier have been contesting the top local tennis post for over a year now.

The POC, meanwhile, lifted its suspension of Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI).

The local swim body has the complete support of the Fina (International Swimming Federation) and Asian Swimming Federation with the recognition granted to PSI president Lani Velasco.