‘Reformist group’ ready to challenge Peping
While there was general disappointment over the decision of esteemed businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan not to contest the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee against incumbent Jose "Peping" Cojuangco who is seeking a third term despite one debacle after another suffered by the country under his watch over the past eight years, the people whom Pangilinan effectively left behind are in no mood to give up.
In fact, a so-called Reformist Group with the full backing of Pangilinan's trusted president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Ricky Vargas has been formed in a determined effort to break Cojuangco's stranglehold on the POC.
While the group will not field a candidate for the position of POC president, it has put together a team which it hopes will be elected into office and by sheer numbers and determination, force Cojuangco to institute much-needed reforms in the POC.
Incumbent first vice president Manny Lopez, who is seeking re-election and is effectively leading the Reformist drive, believes they have a good chance of being elected and "surrounding 'Peping' with individuals who will ensure change and a return to integrity in sports and will primarily show care and concern for our athletes."
Heading the ticket will be current POC Chairman Monico Puentevella with Lopez seeking re-election as 1st vice president, Cycling's Bembol Tolentino as 2nd vice president, Romy Ribano of Squash as treasurer and Jun Galindez of Golf along with candidates for the POC Board led by Gener Dungo of Volleyball, Toto Africa of Fencing, Jude Echauz of Sailing and Hector Navasero of Baseball.
Manny Lopez, who said the Pangilinan's decision not to run was "a sad day for Philippine sports", reflected the mood of overall disappointment. But it is generally agreed that when Pangilinan indicated it wasn't the right time it reflected his priorities in his huge investments in multifarious business enterprises, some of which are under duress. He needs all his time to fend off predators while ensuring that as someone who genuinely cares about our country's economic development, the Aquino government sends the right signal to foreign investors.
One of the realities of the present situation is that "Peping" Cojuangco is the uncle of President Benigno Aquino III. Whether or not the President is enamored with his uncle's performance as POC president given the dismal showing over "Peping's" past two terms, the fact remains that blood is thicker than water and everything else that it means.
Seeking to delve into what may be perceived as the underlying reasons for MVP's decision despite the overwhelming clamor from National Sports Association presidents who had committed to deliver 27 votes which would have surely given Pangilinan the POC presidency, may be a futile and unproductive enterprise.
We would prefer instead to accept the fact that Pangilinan is fundamentally a hands-on leader who is, as Lopez points out, "results-oriented" and would never hear of being elected but getting others to do the job for him. Simply put, it's not in his nature.
[RELATED: Disappointment as MVP backs out of POC elections]
If MVP accepts a position he would want to devote his time and energies to making it a success. Given the present dire straits Philippine sports is in, the task would have entailed much of Pangilinan's time and an addition to the substantial resources he has so far invested in sports.
The Reformist Group, while apparently reluctant to embrace the POC presidential bid of maverick Go Teng Kok whose position as president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association and the Karate-do NSA has been upheld by the Supreme Court, commends him for his courage in daring to challenge Cojuangco.
It's a given that no matter how noble his intentions, Go Teng Kok cannot match the clout of Cojuangco, long steeped in political wheeling and dealing.
Go Teng Kok admits he has no illusions about winning but in exercising his right to run he is committing himself to a mission which is to restore sportsmanship, justice, order and meaningful change in the POC which the public is clamoring for.
It is relevant to note that at a time when the scourge of political dynasties is being seriously questioned by those who want the clear Constitutional mandate for Congress to enact a law that would ban dynasties to be given due course, "Peping" Cojuangco seems oblivious to the current mood by engaging in perpetuating dynasties in Philippine Sports.
He maneuvered the nomination of his daughter —an extremely charming, articulate and talented lady — Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, to replace Frank Elizalde as International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines.
Reports have it that Cojuangco has named Mikee's husband "Dudut" Jaworski — another fine young man we have known for years — to head the Asian Centennial Games.
He has also recruited a nephew, a certain Mr. Sumulong and his wife from the United States to handle strength and conditioning while "Peping'" is backing his longtime employee and mouthpiece Joey Romasanta for the POC 1st vice president's post.
For the record we have absolutely nothing personal against these individuals, but we cannot help but seriously question the propriety of these appointments which smacks of the one-time Kamaganak Inc.
There is a clear challenge for all good men — and women - to rise against the leadership of Cojuangco and elect members who share the vision and the passion for reforms in sports espoused by Pangilinan and Vargas and the many NSA leaders who rallied around MVP, not for himself but rather for what he stood for.
Anything less would ring the death-knell of Philippine sports.
Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.
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