Cojuangco files bid for top POC post

MANILA, Philippines — With no challengers in sight, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. yesterday threw his hat in the ring again in the Philippine Olympic Committee presidential derby.

POC election chair Victorico Chaves confirmed that Cojuangco filed his candidacy. Chavez also said that presidential aspirants in the local Olympic elections on Nov. 30 should have regularly participated in the general assembly to avoid disqualification.

Citing provisions in the POC constitution and bylaws, Chaves said national sports association heads who wish to run either as chair or president should be present during the assembly for two consecutive years.

“The presidential candidate must be an active member of the POC general assembly for the past two years,” said Chaves. “In other words, he must have participated in the activities of the general assembly. How will you know what’s happening if you’re not there? If you have a representative in these meetings, it doesn’t mean you’re an active member.”

Chaves, who has Bro. Bernie Oca of La Salle and Ricky Palou of Ateneo as election panel deputies, said the requirement was also used during the polls in 2008, when Cojuangco earned a second term with a slim 21-19 win over shooting chief Art Macapagal.

Several NSAs are reportedly asking sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan to challenge Cojuangco but the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and chair of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines has not made any commitment.

Other top NSA officials who will run with Cojuangco in the POC elections, scheduled at Alabang Country Club, are POC spokesperson and karatedo chief Joey Romasanta (first vice president), Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis (second VP), Julian Camacho of wushu (treasurer) and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics (director).

POC chair Monico Puentevella also filed his candidacy to retain his post but said he would gladly drop out of the race if Cojuangco or Pangilinan decides to run as chair.