Boxer Nesthy Petecio and pole vaulter EJ Obiena were not around, but they still got the most votes in the five-member Philippine Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission elections held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
Petecio, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist in deep training in Australia and is now in Alicante, Spain to join a tournament, got the highest votes with 121.
Obiena, who is in Formia, Italy, earned 99 votes from a turnout of 145, the highest number of athletes who showed to give their support to the POC’s advisory body composed of athletes.
Both Petecio and Obiena thanked the national athletes, who were present for the support that they were given.
Swimming representative Jessie Khing Lacuna took in 83, while basketball’s Jack Animam had 80 and football’s Inna Palacios attracted 61 votes.
The five will be with the Athletes’ Commission until 2028.
“We’re happy with the turnout. Close to 100 siya before. With this vote, we will be able to represent the athletes on their grievances and concerns before the authorities,” said Lacuna.
The other candidates were Jayson Valdez and Amparo Teresa Acuña (shooting), Kai Stroem (rugby), Juan Miguel Bautista (fencing) and John Leerams Chicano (triathlon). Peter Atencio
The Athletes’ Commission is a consultative and advisory body aimed at helping the POC achieve its mission by providing a critical link between the POC leaders and the athletes.
Nikko Huelgas (triathlon), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Jake Letts (rugby), Francesca Altamonte (softball) and Samuel Morrion (taekwondo) stepped down as members.