POC, PDRCI heads sign key memorandum of understanding to help solve NSA disputes

Philippine Olympic Committee president (POC) Ricky Vargas recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center Inc. (PDRCI), headed by its president, lawyer Edmund Tan, in an effort to finally iron out disputes within the Olympic body.

Under the MOU, the POC and the PDRCI will create an official Alternative Dispute Resolution framework to resolve conflicts within national sports associations (NSAs).

“We are following the model of the International Olympic Committee and the court of arbitration in sports. As soon as this is approved by the POC Board and the general assembly, the PDRCI will conduct seminars for NSAs to better understand the workings of mediation and arbitration,” Vargas said.

Tan said “we hope to assist the POC in streamlining their programs without the distraction of troublesome disputes.”

Also representing the POC were first vice president Joey Romasanta, general counsel lawyer Alberto Agra, membership committee chair Robert Bachmann, arbitration committee member lawyer Charlie Ho and communications director Ed Picson.

With Tan on the PDRCI side were secretary general lawyer Robert Dio, vice president lawyer Salvador Panga Jr. and executive director Bing Pabila.