FILE PHOTO – POC election committee officials Frank Elizalde (third from left) and lawyer Alberto Agra declare Ricky Vargas (right) and Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (left) winners in Friday’s polls. Photo by Marc Anthony Reyes/INQUIRER
Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has suggested that the POC elections be held not later than July 18 to end the internal conflict hounding the organization.
Tolentino, who formalized his resignation early Tuesday, said the vacuum created by those POC officials who resigned must be filled as soon as practical in accordance with the local Olympic body’s constitution and bylaws.
The July 5 election schedule that Tolentino earlier brought up won’t be possible anymore after the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia instructed the POC to set the stage for the proper conduct of the polls.
“While I am amenable to a request for postponement if the IOC or OCA wishes it, elections cannot be held later than July 18 because the POC provisions mandate that the vacancy in the presidency must be filled within 30 days,” said Tolentino.
Former POC president Ricky Vargas stepped down from his post on June 18, leaving POC 1st vice president Joey Romasanta to succeed Vargas in an acting capacity.
Besides Vargas and Tolentino, POC board members Clint Aranas of archery and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics have officially tendered their resignation.
Based on the IOC-OCA memo, only positions left vacant will be filled through an election in an extraordinary general assembly to be witnessed by observers from the IOC and the OCA.
“I welcome the IOC/OCA plan to send observers to ensure fair and transparent proceedings,” said Tolentino, also president of PhilCycling, the country’s governing body in the sport.