POC urged to let Vargas run in polls

MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Vargas said he is willing to leave the corporate world and work full time if elected to the POC top post even as his supporters urged POC president Peping Cojuangco to push thru with the election.

Cojuangco has maintained that Vargas might not be qualified to run, citing an eligibility rule that one must be a sitting president of an NSA representing an Olympic sport for at least four years and must be in active participation in the POC general assembly to be eligible for election.

But Vargas contended the provision was 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 regular attendance from its representative.

“That requirement refers to NSA not to a person. Whoever attends the General Assembly represents the NSA,” said Managuelod.

“Why resort to disqualification? This is sport. We should face the fight,” said Rep. Bambol Tolentino of cycling.

Vargas urged Cojuangco to let him run in the election.

“They’ve been there for 12 years, the problem is that he’s not allowing us to run in the election. It’s very unreasonable. If you look at that rule, its only their group which would qualify,” said Vargas. “Just allow us to run.”

Vargas, top executive of Manny V. Pangilinan in the giant MVP Group of Companies, also belied Cojuangco’s charge that he might not have the time to do the job once elected .

“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’ve been endorsed by MVP. I will not be 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 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.