By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino seeks a fresh four-year term but former PBA star Chito Loyzaga is hoping to pull off a massive upset in the general elections on Friday, Nov. 29, at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City.
Tolentino, who is the cycling chief, vowed to continue the programs for national athletes following the country’s successful international campaigns under his helm that include winning gold medals in the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.
Running under his ticket are basketball’s Al Panlilio as first Vice President, modern pentathlon’s Rep. Richard Gomez as second VP, surfing’s Dr. George Canlas as Treasurer, volleyball’s Don Caringal as Auditor, and Board Members Ali Sulit (judo), Ferdie Agustin (jiu-jitsu), Len Escollante (canoe-kayak), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling) and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing).
Loyzaga, meanwhile, is running under the platform of Unity, Good Governance, Transparency, Integrity, Peace and Inclusivity that has running mates squash’s Robert Bachmann as second VP, weighlifting’s Rod Roque as Auditor, and Board Members Rep. Peter Miguel (archery), Dr. Charlie Ho (netball), and Steven Virata (equestrian).
The POC has 61 voting members who will elect by secret balloting the organization’s president, first and second vice presidents, treasurer, auditor and five members of the executive board.
Some national sports association officials have publicly shown their support to Tolentino, including Ricky Vargas, boxing association chief and top honcho at the Manuel V. Pangilinan group.
“I’m solidly for the continuation of the programs of Bambol [Tolentino]. He’s been able to help not only the POC stature, but bring up the stature of the POC and he also helps many athletes,” Vargas said.
Weightlifting president Monico Puntevella, who, under his leadership, produced the country’s first Olympic gold medalist in lifter Hidilyn Diaz, rallied behind Loyzaga.
“We need an athlete, not a politician to lead Philippine sports,” said Puentevella, a former POC chairman.
“As the president of the baseball association for several years, we need a leader who can inspire and feel the needs of our athletes. We attained our three Olympic gold medals through the efforts and sacrifice of our super athletes and national sports associations, with the help of the government, which is the Philippine Sports Commission,” he added.
Loyzaga, 66, was a former pro basketball player who won multiple PBA championships for Toyota and Ginebra. He was also part of the national team that won silver in the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.
