The country’s foremost sports patron, Manny V. Pangilinan, may run for president of the Philippine Olympic Committee if the leaders of the national sports associations (NSAs) want him to.
“Time for the NSAs to speak up if they want change. Otherwise, let the status quo remain” said Ricky Vargas, a top Pangilinan deputy and president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines which the tycoon also chairs.
“Knowing MVP, he would be open to lead Philippine sports if asked,” added Vargas in a text message to friends and reporters yesterday.
Aware that the POC presidency is a full-time job, Pangilinan had earlier declared that he was not interested in the position.
But the clamor for Pangilinan, who is president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, to challenge Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. in the polls on Nov. 30 continued to grow.
“He (MVP) is in the best position to bring Philippine sports to a new level of performance,” said Vargas.
With no challengers to Cojuangco in sight, athletics chief Go Teng Kok earlier announced his intention to run against Cojuangco, who is seeking a third four-year mandate as head of the country’s Olympic body.
But Go said he is willing to give way to anybody who will challenge Cojuangco, his former ally.
Go, the president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, claims that six NSAs are on his side. Another faction identified with former POC head Celso Dayrit has at least eight votes.
A simple majority from a total of 43 votes will decide the POC presidency.
Aside from boxing and basketball, the MVP group supports taekwondo, cycling, badminton and running.