NOW that the elections are over, newly reelected Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said it’s now time to focus on the welfare of athletes.
The training of elite athletes and a national training center where they can prepare for international meets will be his priority in the next four years.
Cojuangco was assured of his bid to remain as president of the POC for a fourth term, after 26 of 40 eligible voting members gave him their nod during elections held Friday at the Westside Grill of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong.
His bid was boosted a day before when the Pasig City Regional Trial Court denied a the camp of boxing chief Ricky Vargas their application for a Temporary Restraining Order that was supposed to stop the polls from taking place.
Vargas and Amateur Boxing Alliance of the Philippines executive director Ed Picson were not around to cast their vote during the polls.
“The game is over. The elections are over. We need to get everyone together and focus on our objectives which is to keep the community together. And that’s my role now,” said Cojuangco.
He said he will now visit friends and supporters of the POC in the provinces and in the regions to find out where training centers can be set up.
“Iyan na ang focus. I don’t want to wait for the training center that’s being offered (by the Philippine Sports Commission),” added Cojuangco.
Joey Romasanta (volleyball) will remain as first vice president after he beat rival Albee Benitez (badminton), 23-13, for the post.
Jeff Tamayo (soft tennis) stays on as second vice president with 26 votes over Lucas Managuelod (muay thai), who had 11.
Wushu’s Julian Camacho is again treasurer after getting past Sonny Barrios (basketball), 25-12.
Named auditor is Jonee Go (canoe-kayak), while the members of the board include Clint Aranas (archery), Cynthia Carrion (gymnastics), Robert Mananquil (billiards) and Prospero Pichay (chess).
The post of chairman was vacant after two candidates, Tom Carrasco of triathlion and Abraham Tolentino of cycling were disqualified.
Aside from the Vargas camp, representatives from fencing and rowing were absent, while the bowling group was not allowed to join due to requirement issues.
While Pasig City Regional Trial Court Judge Elma Rafallo-Lingan of Branch 159 did not issue a TRO, she set hearing on Dec. 9 and 16 to further discuss the complaints of the Vargas camp.
“The case itself is still on. While the judge did not issue a TRO, the case continues,” said Comelec head Frank Elizalde, who added the definition of active membership will be tackled in court.
Elizalde presided over the election with Bro. Bernie Oca of La Salle.