POC backs PSC on axed karate bets

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Olympic Committee is supporting the Philippine Sports Commission’s decision to remove bemedalled Marna Pabillore and four other karatedo athletes from the national pool for skipping the recent Philippine National Games.

POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said he’s standing by the PSC’s decision to sack Pabillore, Sharif Afif, Jan Paul Morales, Raymund Mejico and Renato Manalo.

The five will be removed from the PSC payroll starting this month, and will be asked to vacate their quarters at the PhilSports Complex.

“I totally agree with the PSC’s decision to discontinue their allowances along with those who didn’t participate in the PNG,” said Cojuangco during Wednesday’s POC general assembly. “We must impose disciplinary action on these athletes.”

Pabillore, an Asian Games silver medalist and back-to-back Southeast Asian Games champion, and the four other karatekas skipped competition in the PNG held in Bacolod City two weeks ago.

The existing pool was earlier dissolved to give new Philippine Karatedo Federation president Enrico Vasquez a free hand to form a new national pool.

Meanwhile, PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez announced during the general assembly that preparations for the 2012 PNG have been set to begin next month with Naga City, Tacloban and Cebu City bidding to host the event.