Ricky Vargas resigns as Philippine Olympic Committee president

Ricky Vargas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ricky Vargas on Tuesday stepped down as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Vargas’ resignation came after he was questioned over his involvement in various issues hounding the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games by the Executive Board.

Eight of the 13 Board members acted upon receiving instructions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to settle the controversies surrounding Vargas’ actions without approval from the POC Board.

In his letter submitted to POC board members, Vargas admitted that other POC leaders could be more competent to lead the preparations for the country’s hosting of the SEA Games.

Former POC first vice president Joey Romasanta will take over Vargas’ position.

Robert Bachman of the squash association is said to be tapped as Secretary General.

“This is to inform the executive board of the Philippine Olympic Committee that I am tendering my irrevocable resignation from the post of president of the organization effective immediately,” Vargas said in a one-page resignation letter.

“After much introspection, I have determined that there would be other sports leaders who have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively.”

The POC board members questioned Vargas’ involvement in various issues, especially in the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation, Inc. and the questionable contract with a company that aims to become the official outfitter of the SEA Games.

Vargas is one of the eight original incorporator of Phisgoc Foundation together with Gregorio and POC communications director Patrick Gregorio. POC board members did not recognize the Phisgoc Foundation.

The Phisgoc Foundation is led by Taguig Congressman-elect Alan Peter Cayetano, who is also the Chairman of the original Phisgoc created with the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission.