AN arbitration committee has been formed to help the Philippine Sports Commission deal with complaints involving the national sports associations and their relationship with their athletes.
PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said the committee was formed with respect to the government sports agency’s supervisory and visitorial powers over how its funds the training programs of the NSAs.
“The PSC has supervisory and visitorial powers over its funding with the NSAs. Funding can be suspended if there are liquidation issues, intra-NSA disputes and other abuses,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez noted tjat the previous administrations of the agency have not observed this function and responsibility, including the time when he first became chairman many years ago.
But, this time around, they will under his watch.
He has tasked commissioner Ramon Fernandez to lead the committee with executive director Carlo Abarquez.
The case of the Philippine Tennis Association was cited, after former PSC board member Salvador Andrada remained as president of the Philippine Tennis Association for the next two years, and walkout took place following last week’s polls.
Ramirez said leadership conflicts within NSAs will be among the four grounds why the agency will be compelled to suspend its support.
The new committee will also tackle the case of tennis player Marian Jade Capadocia, following complaints over her exclusion from being part of the national women’s team.
The agency listed down its reasons not to supports NSAs, and this includes unliquidated financial assistance, NSAs that have reportedly bullied and abused athletes who were removed without due process.
They added NSAs with no updated Securities and Exchange Commission documents on elections and their financial statements.
During the Philta polls, the 82 year old Andrada said there was a misunderstanding when he announced his plans to quit his post last year.
Eleven of 12 board members showed up for the scheduled board meeting of the PHILTA yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.
