PSC chair William Ramirez. Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez on Wednesday officially accepted the chef de mission portfolio offered by the Philippine Olympic Committee to lead the country’s bid in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games.
But more than the acceptance of Ramirez, the gesture has brought back the needed stability, albeit on a temporary basis, to the volatile POC top brass wracked by infighting among the members of its executive board.
“I accept the challenges of the CDM position, aside from the instructions of my bosses to heed the call for help of the POC,’’ said Ramirez during Wednesday’s press conference with POC president Ricky Vargas at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“As the sports government arm, we show our readiness to step in, to help in the capacity being requested and, if possible, mediate to make unity happen,’’ added Ramirez.
The PSC chief stepped in after the squabble between Vargas and majority of his board put the POC in total disarray.
“I do this for the interest of unity. Through this, I express my solid support to the POC and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc). We must stand as one,’’ said Ramirez.
“If by accepting, we can start considering peace as an option toward a successful hosting of the SEAG, then I accept,’’ added Ramirez.
To put things in proper perspective, Vargas announced that an elections for all elective positions in the POC would be held January 2020 and called for a truce to prioritize the country’s preparations in the SEA Games on Nov. 30-Dec. 11.
“Let’s set aside our differences for the meantime and focus on the SEA Games. With the strong leadership of Chairman Butch as chef de mission, we will be able to achieve our goals,’’ said Vargas, who was accompanied by POC deputy secretary general Karen Caballero and POC communications director Ed Picson.
Ramirez was the CDM during the 2005 SEA Games in Manila when Team Philippines captured the overall title for the first time.
“It’s not an easy one, but it’s an exciting job. We cannot succeed if we don’t work together,’’ said Ramirez. “Let’s try to heal the wounds and paint a good picture in the international sporting community.’’
“I do this in the interest of protecting our national commitment. While we all have our own interests, we are duty-bound to prioritize national interest above all,’’ added Ramirez.
Matters came to a head during the POC general assembly on Monday when Vargas declared a destabilization plot against his administration, which POC 1st vice president Joey Romasanta has strongly denied along with the executive board members allied with the latter.
“Let me assure everyone that whatever issues we faced together or against each other, it was never personal to me. And I will make sure the POC institution is always safeguarded. The necessary mechanisms to do so are in place,’’ said Vargas.