The possibility of casting ballots electronically is being brought up when Philippine Olympic Commission holds its elections on Nov. 27.
The election committee of the POC is considering this after the body, headed by Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV as chairman, met with various stakeholders in a virtual conference yesterday.
“We are dealing with it (E-voting) right now,” said Kalaw during the two-hour meeting on Zoom.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico was one of the national sports association leaders, who expressed concern, saying that he might not be present at the polls because of safety and health protocol concerns during the pandemic.
Juico said that his age and health, considering that he recently had surgery, will most likely keep him from attending the gathering.
The POC election committee was informed of Juico’s concerns in a letter sent last October.
“As I mentioned in my letter, I am senior citizen and there are rules that govern my travel, and also because of a recent surgery,” said Juico.
Kalaw said they are now in the process of putting up health and safety protocols that will cover the day of the election.
They will now get unexpected assistance from Dr. Raul Canlas, who has worked with the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases on its protocols.
Canlas, who heads the national sports association for surfing, was also among the authorities behind the bubble being implemented in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup in Angeles City, Pampanga.
A a sports medicine specialist, Canlas offered his services to help the POC set up its protocols on election day.
Current POC president Abraham Tolentino is running for reelection.
Tolentino’s ticket will have triathlon’s Tom Carrasco, who is a candidate for chairman; and Al Panlilio, president of Smart Communications and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT, seeking the post of first vice president.
Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, who is the president of the fencing and the modern pentathlon federation, is batting to become second vice president. Gymnastics’ head Cynthia Carrion will run for treasurer, along with baseball’s Chito Loyzaga as auditor, while named in Tolentino’s list of board members are muay secretary general Pearl Managuelod, judo’s Dave Carter and Canlas.
House Deputy Speaker and Surigao rep. (first district) Prospero Pichay Jr., president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, has also joined Tolentino’s lineup for board member.
On the other hand, archery chief Aranas will seek the presidency opposite Tolentino.