Tolentino assembles powerhouse running mates

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol’’ Tolentino has formed a formidable team for the forthcoming POC elections that his rivals will find hard to match.

Basketball chief Al Panlilio will run in the Nov. 27 polls as Tolentino’s first vice president while Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez of modern pentathlon and fencing will run as the 2nd vice president.

“Both are highly competent as sports leaders and possess great concern for taking care of our athletes,’’ Tolentino told the Inquirer.

Both likewise have the star power that can persuade more supporters to side with Tolentino in the battle for numbers during the exercise where the elected officers earn a fresh four-year mandate all the way to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The representative from the eighth district of Cavite province, Tolentino said his ticket is almost complete, but declined to name his bets for chair, treasurer, auditor and POC board members.

“It will be a privilege to work with Cong. Bambol and serve under his leadership,’’ said Panlilio, president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. “Sports has been close to my heart and I would like to contribute in shaping the future of Philippine sports especially for the benefit of our athletes.

Gomez, a popular actor and sportsman, is presently the head of two sports associations—Philippine Fencing Association and Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association. INQ