Old hands relent as POC amends charter

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has gone ahead with its charter reforms, including one that seeks to encourage younger officials to run the country’s sporting affairs. Chair Steve Hontiveros said the executive board has finally approved the amendment in its constitution putting an age-cap of 75 years old for those seeking the presidency.It was met with criticism when the idea was first broached last year, but Hontiveros said nobody opposed the proposal this time.

He added that the board also approved of the removal of the position of chair, further limiting the options of older officials like Hontiveros himself, who is 75 years old. “Personally, I can always help in whatever capacity whether I have a position in the POC or not,” said Hontiveros who is now president of Philippine Handball Federation.

Fresh faces

Easily the most distinguished among the present POC officials in the international scene, Hontiveros was longtime bowling chief and once served as FIQ (International Bowling Federation) president. POC president Bambol Tolentino has espoused the changes even before he won a fresh term last November.

And the last elections brought a fresh new batch of officials into the POC like Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, who is now first vice president, baseball’s Chito Loyzaga (auditor), pentathlon’s Richard Gomez (second vice president), surfing’s Jose Raul Canlas (director) and muay thai’s Pearl Managuelod (director).Also included in the charter proposal was the creation the position of “private partner,” who will have a seat in the POC executive board.

The spot is largely reserved for top sports patrons like San Miguel Corporation’s Ramon Ang, and PLDT/Smart’s Manny V. Pangilinan to help tap corporate support. INQ