Manny V. Pangilinan is not running in the Philippine Olympic Committee elections.
The country’s top sports patron, asked to challenge POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. in the Nov. 30 polls, yesterday announced that he’s not ready to assume any position in the local Olympic hierarchy and would just continue helping sports through his MVP Sports Foundation.
“After long reflection and considerable thought, and taking into account the many complex—and challenging—factors in the assessment, especially the demands on my time which such a position entails, with a heavy heart, I have concluded that now is not the right time for me to join the POC in an executive capacity,” said Pangilinan in a statement.
Several national sports associations have been clamoring for Pangilinan to run against Cojuangco.
Representatives from 25 NSAs attended a dinner-meeting hosted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and boxing and badminton chair on Monday night with most of them ready to pledge support.
“I am truly grateful to all those who expressed their support for my candidacy to the POC. Much appreciated,” said Pangilinan. “I know I will disappoint many of you with this decision, and for this I am really sorry.”
POC first vice president Manny Lopez said Pangilinan has enough numbers to dislodge Cojuangco from the top POC post by simple majority during the elections at Alabang Country Club.
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 vote in the polls.
With Pangilinan out of the POC race for good, the group of NSAs clamoring for his election has to scramble to find another standard-bearer willing to face Cojuangco.
The deadline for filing of candidacy is at noon tomorrow.