By Waylon Galvez
Newly elected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas is tapping Patrick “Pato” Gregorio to be his secretary-general.
But his choice must still get the approval of the POC Executive Committee (EXECOMM).
“Gusto ko i-recommend si Patrick Gregorio,” said Vargas, who unseated long-time president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. during the POC polls, 24-15, two weeks ago.
“Pato is a close colleague of mine, I’ve worked with him for so long, he’s been secretary-general for eight years and currently vice president of ABAP,” added Vargas, currently the president of Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP).
Gregorio said that he’s accepting the offer of Vargas and be a full time POC official, saying: “Without thinking. I can’t say no to Mr. Vargas.”
Aside from Gregorio, Vargas said that he would also propose that sepak takraw president Karen Caballero will be the group’s Deputy Sec-Gen on Monday’s board meeting at the POC headquarters inside the PhilSports Complex (formerly ULTRA) in Pasig City.
Joey Romasanta, the POC First Vice President and chief of karatedo, said that Gregorio is eligible to be appointed Sec-Gen based on POC Bylaws under Article 7, Section 7.
“It states that the Secretary General shall be appointed by the President subject to the approval of the executive board. Provided he served as president, vice president or secretary-general of his NSA for at least 2 years,” said Romasanta.