FILE – New PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann. –INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Richard “Dickie” Bachmann as the new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Office of the Press Secretary officer in charge and undersecretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that Bachmann, a long-time Alaska team manager in the Philippine Basketball Association and former La Salle player, will replace Noli Eala at the helm of the government’s sports funding agency.
Eala will step down barely four months into office. The former PBA Commissioner and executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was appointed during the term of former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez.
Just like Eala, Bachmann has a long track record in sports administration and is presently the commissioner of the UAAP basketball tournament and chairman of the PBA 3×3.
Currently in the United States, Bachmann is expected to forgo these positions with his designation as the government’s main man in sports.
“Just received the news about the PSC appointment. I will be meeting with Comm. Willie Marcial (PBA3X3), Exec Director Rebo Saguisag (UAAP), and FIBA LOC Management to discuss next steps as soon as I get back. It’s a huge honor, and I would like to thank the President for his trust and confidence,” said Bachmann.
Bachmann, also a former PBA team governor for the Aces, is involved in the organizing committee of the 2023 Fiba World Cup the Philippines is set to host with Indonesia and Japan later next year.
Joining Bachmann in the PSC board is Cebu sports patron Edward Hayco, who will sit as commissioner along with Olivia “Bong’’ Coo. Two more commissioners will be appointed soon to complete the five-man PSC board.
An Inquirer report quoting a source said Eala was “collateral damage,” noting that “being appointed during the term of [former executive secretary] Vic Rodriguez is his biggest disadvantage.”
Rodriguez announced his resignation in September after only 79 days as Marcos’ executive secretary.
“My brief stint in the PSC gave me an opportunity to serve with passion in a field I hold close to my heart. With all humility, I can say that I gave dignity and respect to the position of Chairman and worked tirelessly for Philippine Sports,” said Eala in a statement.
“I wish to thank President Bongbong Marcos for affording me the chance to help Philippine Sports rise to greater heights. I serve under the pleasure of the president and I fully respect his decision.”