After initially turning down the offer, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Butch Ramirez on Wednesday accepted the role of chef de mission (CDM) for the Philippine delegation to the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Sources told the Inquirer late Tuesday night that Ramirez took the post after being prevailed upon by Malacañang, which, in a statement, reaffirmed its support for Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Ricky Vargas.
The POC on Monday offered the position to Ramirez after a controversial shakeup of the Olympic body’s executive board that resulted in the revocation of CDM posts of Joey Romasanta (Tokyo 2020 Olympics) and Monsour del Rosario (SEA Games).
“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 Vargas at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The PSC chief’s turnaround came just a few hours after he issued a statement declining the post.
“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. 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,” Ramirez added.