Retired swimming champion Eric Buhain hopes to get involved in the affairs of the Philippine Swimming Inc.
If given the chance, the 52-year-old Buhain said he will give a helping hand in bringing PSI back on its feet, after FINA, the world governing body for swimming, withdrew its recognition of the national sports association for the sport in the Philippines.
“I don’t know if I will be invited or given a chance to help. I do hope so,” said Buhain, who had been serving as a congressman for Batangas’ 1st district since 2022.
For now, Buhain is tied up with the Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc. and its grassroots development programs.
“I have my own group. COPA, the Congress of Philippine Aquatics and we have been doing our best to help from 2019 up to now,” added Buhain, a multiple medallist in the Southeast Asian Games.
Buhain said COPA’s focus has been grassroots development, while PSI’s priorities have been elite level and the Fil-foreign swimmers, who have been excelling.
The Philippine Olympic Committee’s Stabilization Committee has undertaken a review of the PSI’s constitution and bylaws.
POC legal counsel Wharton Chan is leading the review.
The board of trustees of the PSI have appealed the decision of FINA and sought clarification.