Puentevella willing to give up POC position

Philippine Olympic Committee chair Monico Puentevella will cancel his reelection bid  should either sports patron Manny V.  Pangilinan or POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. run for chair.

Cojuangco is seeking a third straight term but hasn’t filed his candidacy yet while Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, has been asked but declined an invitation to join Cojuangco’s ticket as chair.

“Even if I already filed my candidacy, I’m willing to give up my post to either MVP or Peping in order to solve the leadership impasse,” Puentevella said.

Joey Romasanta, the long-serving POC spokesperson and karatedo chief, filed his candidacy as first vice president along with Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis (second VP) and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics (board member).

Puentevella filed his candidacy last week along with wushu’s Julian Camacho, who is aiming to keep his position in the local Olympic body as treasurer.

“I hope either one (MVP or Peping) will accept. I’ll just continue to help in other ways,” said Puentevella.

Reports have it that Pangilinan, who has controlling stakes at PLDT, Smart, Maynilad and Meralco, has also been asked by some national sports association to run against Cojuangco.