A meeting involving the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier was scheduled to take place last night in an effort to pave the way for a smooth election of a new set of officers of the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) this Saturday.
Lawyer Charlie Ho said yesterday that the meeting will be crucial as it aims to grease the path towards Lhuillier’s desire to take over the Philta leadership.
“Will formalize with his group tonight,” said Ho in a text message when asked if the meeting is meant to ensure that Lhuillier gains the Philta leadership.
“Kaunting hilot na lang,” said Ho, sounding upbeat that an agreement will be reached.
Ho is only meeting with Lhuillier’s group, which is made up of former president Lito Villanueva and son, former VP Randy, and Gerardo Maronilla.
A meeting last Friday was intended to seal the deal but Lhuillier was unable to attend it and Ho said “there was no quorum.”
The other group, numbering 12, is led by interim president and Parañaque mayor Edwin Olivarez.
Last week, prior to the April 21 meeting, Romy Magat, secretary general of the Philta, said that his group would warmly welcome Lhuillier’s ascension. (Nick Giongco)