PSC chief rues Vargas ban

POC election issue may trigger divisiveness 

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez yesterday said the Philippine Olympic Committee missed a rare chance to be a tool of understanding and unity among its members with its Comelec’s decision to disqualify boxing chief Ricky Vargas in the coming POC election.

He also expressed apprehension that the POC poll issue may trigger divisiveness that may seeped down to the ranks of the national athletes. 

“I don’t question the wisdom of the Comelec of the POC, but for me, in the spirit of sportsmanship, it could’ve been a source of understanding, unity, discipline, value and integrity. Those people should have been allowed (to run) especially if the rule says active membership,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez is reacting to the disqualification of Vargas along with his ticket-mate Rep. Bambol Tolentino of cycling due to eligibility.

Former International Olympic Committee representative Frank Elizalde, who heads the three-man election committee, said Vargas didn’t meet the primary requirement of “active participation” for the past two years to be able to vie for the top POC post on the Nov. 25 elections.

Reacting to the disqualification, Vargas, a PLDT and First Pacific executive, the other day said the issue is not about him running but giving the various NSAs (national sports associations) a chance to choose a new leader.

“Give election a chance. Give sports a chance. Give democracy a chance,” said the 64-year-old Vargas, adding the fight isn’t over yet.

Elizalde cited Article 7, Section 11 of the POC bylaws, which states that candidates for president and chairman should be “an active member of POC general assemblies for two consecutive years.”

Ramirez, however, thinks it’s not enough ground for disqualification.

“It could have been good for Philippine sports to allow these people free and fair elections,” he added.

Ramirez also expressed fears that the POC issue could escalate into something that could affect the athletes in an adverse way.

“My concern is the athletes because the due process is not immediate, it’s long and as they go along it might elevate question on authority, stoppage on our participation in the Olympics by the government or question on the Olympic charter,” said Ramirez.

“We really look to take good care of the athletes, after all, my assumption of office is for the athletes and I was also instructed by the President to unify various sectors in Philippine sports,” he added.