Elections for a new set of leaders of the Philippine Olympic Committee cannot be delayed.
POC chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said this after receiving a copy of letter of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia to the members of the executive board.
That is why Tolentino, who is also the current congressman representing the 7th district of Cavite, is still keen on calling for elections on all vacant positions this Friday July 5.
“I hope those who are interested to serve POC will make their intentions known, file their intent to run and place themselves before the voting members of the General Assembly on Friday,” said Tolentino, who has already submitted a letter of resignation to the POC.
The renewed call for elections this week comes after the POC executive board were asked by the IOC and the OCA to seek clarifications and confirm the resignation of officials during a General Assembly meeting last week.
IOC director for Olympic Solidarity and National Olympic Committee Relations James MacLeod and OCA Director General and Technical Director Husain Al-Musallam has also asked the POC to convene an Extraordinary General Assembly to address the situation, and make efforts to fill such vacancy.
The message of the two officials were tackled during a special board meeting of the POC last Monday at the GSIS bldg. in Pasay City.
“While I am amenable to a request for postponement if the IOC or OCA wishes it, elections cannot be held later than July 18, because the POC provisions mandate that the vacancy in the presidency must be filled within 30 days,” explained Tolentino.
Tolentino said that the polls should not be held later than July 18, which is a month after Ricky Vargas officially resigned as POC chief.
“Since President Vargas resigned on June 18, the latest that we can have an election is July 18,” added Tolentino.
The POC chairman said he will welcome the presence of a representative that the IO C and the OCA will send.
So far, acting POC president Joey Romasanta of volleyball, board member Clint Aranas of archery and Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics are the only ones who have confirmed letters of resignation.
“I call on all of them to honor their word which they gave in front of the POC General Assembly members last June 25. And to those who were not present, I also urge them to heed the members call,” stated Tolentino.
Tolentino said he relying on the word of honor of the members of the POC executive in making this all happen.
“Resignations need not be in writing. a verbal contract is just as binding as a written one. POC officials are expected to live up to their word, guided by the tenets of Olympism,” added Tolentino.