FOR calling him a game fixer, Philippine Sports Commission board member Ramon Fernandez is preparing to sue Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. for libel.
Fernandez said he will not sue if Cojuangco retracts his statement, issues a public apology and resigns his post as POC president.
Fernandez was offended by Cojuangco’s accusations that he allegedly threw away games during his 20-year career in the Philippine Basketball Association while playing for teams like Toyota and San Miguel.
“Retract, public apology, resign as POC president to give chance to a young leadership,” said Fernandez in a Facebook statement and message to the Manila Standard.
Fernandez said Cojuangco is already 82 and has clearly overstayed his welcome in sports.
Cojuangco’s allegation about Fernandez sparked an angry exchange of words between the two that has been going on since last week.
This after Fernandez brought up issues against Cojuangco on the alleged misuse of funds he received from the previous administration of the PSC.
Cojuangco said he is not bothered by Fernandez’s rants in public.
PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, on the other hand, advised Fernandez to stay calm and reconcile his issues with Cojuangco.
“I advised Mon to cool down. I cannot speak about Peping. You cannot teach people to behave as adults. He should think otherwise. So many things have to be considered in matters of management of athletes and coaches,” said Ramirez.