Sports leaders choose between Bambol, Popoy in POC polls
Philippine sports will have a new face at the helm when the much-awaited Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections unfold Sunday at Century Park Hotel in Manila.
On one side, cycling chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is determined to take over the reins from former POC president Ricky Vargas had left behind and implement a master plan designed to achieve greatness in the coming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and protect the POC as an institution.
Track and field head Philip Ella Juico will be running against Tolentino with a platform built on empowering the national sports associations by helping them obtain the resources they need to succeed in the SEAG.
“Let’s promote peace and harmony and formulate confidence-building measures, especially during the last few months leading to the SEA Games,” said Juico, a former chair of the Philippine Sports Commission (POC) and president of Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
Backing up Tolentino is Robert Aventajado of taekwondo, who will stake his claim to the chairmanship for the second time after serving in a similar capacity during the term of former POC chief Jose Cojuangco Jr.
“I am calling on my fellow NSA (national sports association) heads to prioritize the POC’s future when they cast their votes,” said Tolentino, a member of the House of Representatives.
“The POC is an institution that needs protection,” added the PhilCycling president.
Steve Hontiveros of handball will face off with Aventajado for the position vacated by Tolentino, bringing with him tons of experience in international sports affairs after holding several positions in the POC executive board for over 30 years.
“I’m here to help the POC gain stability. I’ll leave it all to God on election day,” said Hontiveros, one of only three Filipinos who became president of an international sports federation.
Hontiveros, who also headed the local bowling federation during its prime in the 80s and 90s, was a former president of the International Bowling Federation (World Bowling).
Completing the ticket of Juico are board members Lani Velasco of swimming and Clint Aranas of archery while Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics and Monico Puentevella of weightlifting will run under Tolentino’s banner.
“Given the opportunity to serve again, I will continue the projects that are vital to grassroots development,” said Aventajado.
