GTK asks POC: Reconsider ‘non grata’ stance

MANILA—Embattled athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday appealed to the Philippine Olympic Committee to give him due process after being declared persona non grata by the Olympic body over issues concerning his other association, the Philippine Karatedo Federation.

Go said he was not given any avenue to give his side and vowed to withdraw the three cases he filed in court against POC officials led by president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. if he’s given the chance to air his sentiment before the POC arbitration committee.

The POC decision was based on Go’s alleged violation of POC bylaws when he sued the POC.

He filed for a temporary restraining order against the POC’s move to oust him as PKF president last month, but withdrew it after he was informed there will be a hearing of his PKF complaints before the arbitration committee.

However, Go said the hearing didn’t push through and instead got a notice of PKF elections in Bacolod City five days before the polls. He also filed a TRO against the elections but failed to get it. He next asked the court to annul the results of elections.

“I’m not the only one who filed a case against the POC, it was done before in equestrian, swimming, chess and billiards,” Go said. “Why single me out?”

He claimed to have exhausted all means and even asked the help of former Philippine Sports Commission chair Philip Ella Juico. Go added that after filing the case, he even sought the advice of International Olympic Committee representative Frank Elizalde.

PKF named Enrico Vazquez as president during the elections held during the POC-PSC National Games in Bacolod City.