VP Binay to induct Cojuangco, new POC officials today

Vice President Jejomar Binay will induct today the newly elected officers of the Philippine Olympic Committee  at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City.

Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. earned a fresh mandate as POC president unopposed while Tom Carrasco of triathlon was elected chairman in last month’s elections.

Cojuangco said this term, which will end after the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio De Janeiro, will be his last. The head of the equestrian association was first elected in 2004.

Joey Romasanta of karatedo was elected vice president. He replaces Manny Lopez of amateur boxing during elections held among heads of the 40 national sports associations, two athlete representatives and International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde.

“We’re all looking forward to working together and overcoming challenges along the way,” said Romasanta.

The other officers are Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis (second VP), Julian Camacho of wushu (treasurer), Prospero Pichay of chess (auditor) and board members Dave Carter of judo, Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics, Jonnie Go of canoe-kayak and Ernesto Echauz of sailing.

Steve Hontiveros of handball retained the post of POC secretary general, a position the former bowling godfather assumed the past four years.

“While winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal remains the ultimate goal, we’ll work hard to bring the country back to prominence in the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games and Asian Games, and we have four years to  accomplish it,” said Romasanta.