Triathlon chief Tom Carrasco is once again seeking the chairmanship of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
After a four-year absence as an official, Carrasco is seeking a return to the old post he once occupied from 2012 to 2016 during the term of former Tarlac Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.
This time, he will seek another tenure under the banner of Congressman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino when the POC holds its elections on Nov. 27.
Tolentino, the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines, revealed Carrasco as one of the old hands whom he asked to be part of his ticket during the coming polls.
“This is for the new normal of the new POC, which is for good governance, and as the trusted team of the sports community and private business,” said Tolentino, who bared his lineup in a virtual meeting.
The announcement was done some four days before the start of the filing of candidacy.
The head of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines will seek positions with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and Ormoc City mayor Richard Gomez.
Panlilio, who is also the president of Smart Communications and chief revenue officer of PLDT, is going after the post of first vice president.
Gomez, who is the president of the fencing and the modern pentathlon federation, is in the race for the post of second vice president.
Gymnastics head Cynthia Carrion, another old hand, will run for treasurer, along with baseball’s Chito Loyzaga as auditor.
For his list of board members, Tolentino will have Muaythai secretary general Pearl Managuelod in his roster, with judo’s Dave Carter and surfing’s Dr. Raul Canlas.
House Deputy Speaker and Surigao rep. (first district) Prospero Pichay Jr. will also seek a place in the board in his capacity as president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
Archery chief Clint Aranas is expected to reveal his own ticket in the coming days.
Aranas, a lawyer who used to be the president of the Government Service Insurance System, will challenge Tolentino’s bid for the presidency.
The president of World Archery Philippines earlier bared that POC chairman Steve Hontiveros of handball and former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Philip Ella Juico of athletics will form part of his group in the polls.
Hontiveros will once again seek the post of chairman, while Juico will run for the position of first vice president.
The filing of the certificate of candidacy will be from Oct 1 to 30 and, with the campaign period set to start on Nov. 1