Vargas group to Peping: Face our challenge

MANILA, Philippines – Sportsmen face challenges and fight.

Boxing chief Ricky Vargas and his group threw this message at Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., urging the incumbent Philippine Olympic Committee president not to resort to any technicality and face their challenge in an election.

Cojuangco has been saying Vargas may not be qualified to run, citing a requirement that one must be a sitting president of an NSA representing an Olympic sport for at least four years and must be active in the POC general assembly to become a candidate.

But Vargas contended it’s not in the POC by-laws,

Meanwhile, Gen. Lucas Managuelod of muay thai stressed the Amateur Boxing Alliances of the Philippines is “very active” in the POC general assembly with its representative.

“That requirement refers to a member, refers to NSA not to a person. Whoever represents the NSA in the general assembly, that’s it,” said Managuelod.

“This is sports. Why resort to disqualification?” asked Rep. Bambol Tolentino of cycling. “This is sports. With or without training, we should face the fight or the tournament.”

Vargas urged Cojuangco to face him in the election.

“They’ve been there for 12 years, the problem is that he’s not allowing us to battle with him. It’s very unreasonable. If you look at that requirement, eh baka siya lang at grupo niya ang qualified,” said Vargas. “Just allow us. We don’t ask for anything else.”

Vargas, chief lieutenant of Manny V. Pangilinan in the giant MVP Group of Companies, also answered Cojuangco’s tirade that he might not have the time to do the job should he get the presidency.

“It’s quality versus quantity. It’s the quality of management,” said Vargas, adding he’s ready to quit the corporate world if the job of the POC chief calls for it.

“I’m endorsed by MVP (MVP Group top boss Manny V. Pangilinan). I will not go there if I don’t have the support of my boss. That comes with the time to be able to do the job,” he also said.

“I’m also asking myself how long I want to do this. I just want to set the stage just for four years, then I’ll go. I’m willing to sign that statement,” he added. “We’ll develop a stronger POC, and that’s our mission for the Philippine sports.”

One big supporter is football president Nonong Araneta.

"Ricky Vargas, with his vast experience in good corporate governance and sports administration will make POC a respected organization once again and bring in the necessary reforms for Philippine sports to achieve its true potential and give the attention it truly deserves," said Araneta.