HIS position as chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association board of governors will have to go.
Newly elected Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas said this yesterday after he officially took office following a quick turnover ceremony with outgoing POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojaungco Jr.
Giving up his post as PBA chairman, which Vargas serves for the 2017-2018 season, will help him focus on the POC job at hand.
“Nagpaalam na ako. Pero nakiusap sila na kung puwede ay tapusin ko ang current season,” said Vargas, who had an oathtaking together with POC chairman Abraham Tolentino in Malacanang with President Duterte.
In leaving the PBA, Vargas believes that he can devote a lot of time in his duties with the POC
In the turnover rites with Cojuangco, Vargas said the recent election has led to a lot of hurts and disappointments, which is the reason he extended a hand of reconciliation with the outgoing POC chief.
“Who knows, one of these days, we’ll be good friends,” said Vargas, who acknowledged the many sacrifices and accomplishments of Cojuangco during his 13 years as POC chief.
His choice of Alliance of Boxing Associations in the Philippines vice president Patrick Gregorio and sepak takraw’s Karen Caballero as the new secretary general and deputy secretary general, respectively, were accepted during the executive council meeting.
As the resignation of outgoing secretary general Steve Hontiveros of bowling was accepted, Vargas said they have put up a three-man Arbitration and Dispute’s Committee that will handle squabbles that have been bothering several national sports association.
Taekwondo chief Robert Aventajado will head the committee, with Charlie Ho of handball and squash chief Robert Bachmann helping him.
Vargas, who is still one of the top executives of PLDT, said they have yet to decide on the fate of wushu chief Julian Camacho after he quit as treasurer. Peter Atencio
He and Tolentino are silent on Camacho’s position as chef de mission of the Philippine delegation to the 2018 Asian Games and if they are letting fencing head Richard Gomez take over.
Tolentino said the present POC leadership promises to be more transparent in their financial dealings.
Later in the afternoon, Vargas and Tolentino got an update from the SEA Games 2019 Organizing Committee on the ongoing preparations for next year’s games through Ramon Suzara and Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano’s emissary Monica Mitra.
On the other hand, Gregorio said that he is willing to juggle his time in the corporate world with his new role in the POC.
“We now have to hit the ground running. And we need everyone’s support,” said Gregorio.
