Weightlifting head bats for Ramirez reappointment

William Ramirez —Inquirer file photo

Monico Puentevella, under whose leadership the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas brought the Philippines its first Olympics gold medal that came in the Tokyo Games last year, has joined the clamor for the extension of Butch Ramirez as Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair.

Puentevella has credited much of Philippine weightlifting’s success over the years to the absolute backing of the government through the PSC under Ramirez’ leadership. Weightlifting, through Hidilyn Diaz, provided the country’s first golden performance in the Games in Japan.

“Chairman Ramirez and his board were really outstanding. We are successful because of the all-out support that we got from them,’’ said Puentevella. “I wish he is retained because he has done so much, not only for weightlifting but for Philippine sports in general.’’

Puentevella, who was once the Philippine Olympic Committee president and a commissioner of the PSC, is making the appeal to President Marcos, who was once his colleague at the House of Representatives.

Ramirez stepped down last June when Mr. Marcos took his oath as President.

Also part of Philippine sport’s success under Ramirez’ stewardship of the PSC are the two world titles of gymnast Carlos Yulo and how Ramirez ironed the rift between pole vaulter EJ Obiena and his mother federation, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, and its president, Philip Ella Juico.