Pangilinan has ‘enough numbers’ to challenge Peping in polls

Clamoring for change, a big group of national sports associations attended a dinner-meeting hosted by sports patron and tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan with most of them ready to pledge support.

Manny Lopez, the Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president, yesterday revealed that Pangilinan’s group would decide within 48 hours whether to challenge Olympic chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. in the POC elections on Nov. 30.

Lopez said 25 national sports associations (NSAs) and athlete representatives attended the meeting called by Pangilinan on Monday night, “enough numbers” to dislodge Cojuangco from the top POC post by simple majority during the polls at Alabang Country Club.

“There were enough warm bodies present while six others [NSA heads] called [the host] to express full commitment,” said Lopez.

The former boxing chief and Philippine chef de mission to the London Olympics said the NSAs declined to come out in the open “for fear of reprisal.”

A total of 40 NSAs and two athlete representatives—Olympians Marestella Torres and Harry Tañamor—and International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde will cast votes in the polls.

A reliable source privy to the discussions said the MVP group is already forming its ticket.

Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, would likely run as chair, with boxing chief Ricky Vargas, Pangilinan’s top deputy in sports, challenging Cojuangco in the presidential derby. The source added that Lopez will vie to retain his post as first VP.

“MVP intimated that he wants change. He’s just weighing things and needs little more time to decide,” said Lopez, a long-time amateur boxing head who gave way to the MVP group in the sport.

Lopez said Pangilinan, who also chairs boxing and badminton, will announce his candidacy today or tomorrow, depending on the number of NSAs ready to support him.

The deadline for filing of candidacy is at noon on Oct. 26.

“[MVP] is looking into the future and not so much about the election,” said Lopez. “He wants to be hands-on and ready to apportion his time and resources. But one thing is certain: He wants change.”

Cojuangco, who is seeking a third straight term, has reportedly set a meeting with NSAs tonight. Ten to as many as 14 NSAs are said to be fierce supporters of the former Tarlac congressman.

Karatedo chief Joey Romasanta, the POC spokesperson, is running as first VP, Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis as second VP, wushu’s Julian Camacho as treasurer, triathlon’s Tom Carrasco as auditor and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics as director under Cojuangco’s ticket.

POC chair Monico Puentevella of weightlifting, who also attended Pangilinan’s gathering, is also seeking to retain his position in the local Olympic body as an independent candidate.