by Kristel Satumbaga
The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), under the leadership of Presidential Senior Adviser on Foreign Investments Antonio Cablitas, will continue working on its programs geared up at next year’s Southeast Asian Games despite the threat of suspension from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
A veteran trial lawyer, Cablitas said Philta does not want to sacrifice the exposures of its players while they are still trying to convince the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the POC that they are legitimate officials of the association.
Cablitas also announced that a PH pool team will be training in China and South Korean starting in January next year in preparation for the SEA Games which the country will be hosting late next year.
While he’s not fond of publicizing his programs, Cablitas has endeared himself to members of the PH team for his “fatherly” approach to their needs.
Accompanying Cablitas to the session supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and San Miguel were PHILTA secretary general Romy Magat and training director Martin Misa, who said that former age group sensation Alberto Lim Jr. had already begun training for the SEA Games.
Also being eyed for the SEA Games buildup are Jeson Patromboon, Francis Casey Alcantara, Jurenz Mendoza for the men and Marian Jade Capadoccia and Clarice Patrimonio for the women.
Misa, however, said he was not ruling Filipino-Americans Richard Gonzales Huey in joining the national squad for the SEA Games “because the door is always open for them to compete for our country, especially since we are hosting the event.”
But some are trying to undermine whatever changes and good things he has done to Philta. They likewise claimed that Cablitas’ election was not duly recognized by ITF and POC.
