Tolentino seeks overhaul of executive board, reveals slate

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino wants a united group under him if he wins a fresh four-year term in the Nov. 27 polls.

Tolentino announced his full slate for the POC elections, saying his first goal was to overhaul a highly divisive executive board to ensure the smooth implementation of his programs.

“The [executive] board is divided. We always find it hard to seek approval for our plans,’’ said Tolentino, also the cycling federation chief.

“I have big plans for the POC, especially for our athletes, and these plans will materialize if our team wins the election,’’ said Tolentino, who recently helped bring back the full allowances of the national athletes and coaches through the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act.

Looking to extend his administration until the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tolentino has tapped triathlon’s Tom Carrasco to run for chair, Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics for treasurer, and baseball’s Chito Loyzaga for auditor.

Tolentino earlier named basketball’s Al Panlilio as his 1st vice president and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez of fencing and pentathlon as 2nd vice president.

“We have a trusted team in the sports community and in the private business sector. We have a proven track record in good governance,’’ said Tolentino, who also drafted Pearl Managuelod of muay, judo’s Dave Carter, Dr. Raul Canlas of surfing and Prospero Pichay of chess.

A total of 51 national sports associations are expected to cast their votes along with two representatives from the Athletes Commission and International Olympic Committee executive member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.