Romasanta, POC board resign; polls set July 5

Once a post so coveted that it has led to controversial leadership squabbles, the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee was hit by a resignation for the second time in a week.

On Tuesday, Joey Romasanta vacated the position he inherited from boxing chief Ricky Vargas exactly a week ago, as members of the POC executive board resigned en masse—paving the way for a snap elections on July 5.

“We need fresh faces and new ideas in the POC. We cannot go on like this forever,” said Romasanta, who said he will not run in the snap elections. “I am qualified, but I have always declared that I am not running for any position.”

Actually, it was his qualification as Vargas’ replacement that would have been under scrutiny in Tuesday’s meeting after POC chair Abraham Tolentino—who also resigned—questioned Romasanta’s eligibility.

Prospero Pichay of chess and Robert Mananquil of billiards have intimated that they will not surrender their posts while second vice president Jeff Tamayo was absent during the meeting.

Also stepping down were POC treasurer Julian Camacho of wushu, auditor Jonne Go of canoe-kayak and dragonboat, board members Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics and Clint Aranas of archery, and former POC president Peping Cojuangco.

“This is a call for unity. The faster we can hold an election, the faster we can unify and regroup,” said Aranas, allaying fears that the development would further hamper preparations for the Southeast Asian Games, which the country will host later this year.