Vargas cites need for fair elections

MANILA, Philippines – PLDT and First Pacific executive Ricky Vargas, who disclosed his five-point program aimed at empowering the NSAs (national sports associations) the other day, yesterday said it’s not about him running (for Philippine Olympic Committee president) but giving the various NSAs a chance to choose a new leader.

“Give election a chance. Give sports a chance. Give democracy a chance,” said the 64-year-old top MVP Group executive after the POC election body disqualified him from running due to eligibility.

Citing the POC by-laws, candidates for president and chairman should be “an active member of POC general assemblies for two consecutive years.”

But a number of NSAs have questioned the provision, urging the POC to let Vargas run while stressing the Amateur Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, which Vargas heads, is very active in the POC General Assembly with regular attendance from its representative.

“It’s not about me running, it’s about giving the NSAs a choice,” added Vargas, who also batted for a good working relationship with the Philippine Sports Commission and getting support from the International Olympic Committee.

“The fight is not yet over. We really need change,” said Vargas.

Meanwhile, two of Vargas’ allies also hit the POC three-man election committee’s decision to disqualify him even as they vowed to push for change and fight for the development of Philippine sports.

“Philippine sports needs a change. The current leadership obviously has not performed after 12 years, especially in comparison to our neighboring countries,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.

He added that the loser in this controversy are the athletes who deserve better program and support.

“My heart goes to our poor athletes who deserve better. I support the candidacy of Ricky Vargas,” added Panlilio.

For his part, cycling’s Bambol Tolentino also blasted the ruling, adding that the current dispensation is resorting to technicalities, apparently afraid of the tough challenge from the Vargas camp.

“That (ruling) is very unfair. But we expected that because they don’t want to face us in a fair election. We will continue our fight for the betterment of Phl sports. They even forgot that in the last Asian Games, we were the only one who delivered the lone medal and it was a gold medal,” said Tolentino.