There should be unity in Philippine sports and not divisions.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said this after he met his “Performance Team” for the POC elections in November.
Tolentino convened a group of national sports association leaders under a cheerful atmosphere over lunch on Saturday.
“We cannot afford more division in Philippine sports. We have made giant strides since the Asian Games in 2018 and the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019,” said Tolentino.
The POC chief said that bickering from within the POC will only hamper their quest for unity.
Former POC president Ricky Vargas also joined Tolentino and his group over lunch at the Shang Palace of the Makati Shangrila for some talks.
“Internal bickering will set us back. Whatever happens in the POC elections, we must get behind our leaders and help in charting a viable course for Philippine sports,” said Tolentino, who is also the eighth district congressman of Cavite.
In the elections set on November 27, triathlon’s Tom Carrasco, will be candidate for chairman, with 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, another old hand, will run for treasurer, along with baseball’s Chito Loyzaga as auditor. Named in his list of board members are muay secretary general Pearl Managuelod, with judo’s Dave Carter and surfing’s Dr. Raul Canlas.
House Deputy Speaker and Surigao rep. (first district) Prospero Pichay Jr., as president of National Chess Federation of the Philippines, has also joined Tolentino’s lineup for board member.
Caarrasco added that they seek to focus on what their team has to offer and their vision for a more active, forward-looking and inspiring leadership.
“Let’s focus on what we plan and what we can do for Philippine sports. Let’s not get distracted by personal attacks. What we bring to the table is more important and will impact the future of POC,” said Carrasco.