The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), composed purportedly of gentlemen, and women, in sports, failed to reach a decision on whether to hold an election or not.
“It’s very clear to me that they don’t want to hold an election,” said Vargas, in a rare interview with the sports media covering the POC scene.
After the reports of the concerned committees, the hottest issue of the POC elections was relegated to the “other matters” during the general assembly of the country’s governing body of sports, composed of 40 plus National Sports Associations, at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
It was one of Vargas’ few but significant appearances in the POC general assembly.
In fact, his absences in gathering like this in the past were the main reason by the POC Comelec for his disqualification in the 2016 POC elections where he filed candidacy for president opposite Cojuangco.
Cojuangco ran unopposed to remain head of POC.
Armed with a court decision to set an election on Feb. 23, Vargas’ group tried to enforce the legal order, but Cojuangco’s camp deftly steered clear of the subject.
“He (Peping) said adjourned. Turned off the mike, don’t want to talk about issues, our lawyers have not been given the chance to talk, all we’re asking for is that let’s have an election and follow the court order,” Vargas pleads.
Cojuangco’s lawyer filed an appeal but it was denied on Tuesday. Simeon Garcia, deputy secretary general of the POC, said they have not received an official copy of the decision yet.
“I ruled already that there should be no talking about the case. You can talk on your own. This session is adjourned,” said Cojuangco, before adjourning the proceedings and leaving the presidential table.
Meantime, Vargas is banking on an imminent contempt of court against the POC executive council if the order for an election is defied.
“If you don’t do that (election) by February 23, what do you expect will happen? You are now in contempt of court. Bakit ayaw nila (ng election). There is no more logic. Common sense will tell, let’s stop this and let’s have an election.”