Protesters keep vigil vs PSC chief

Only the resignation of Carlos Tuason as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will make the rallying athletes and coaches pack up their things, end their lonely vigil and return to their respective quarters inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

"We will never leave this place until he resigns or is replaced by President Arroyo. Tuloy-tuloy na ito," said Jaime Sebastian, the head of the Athletes and Coaches Alliance of the Philippines (ACAP), yesterday afternoon.

Sebastian, a former weightlifting champion and a master sergeant at the Philippine Air Force, was prevented from joining his fellow ACAP members when they launched the rally Thursday morning upon the orders of his superiors.

But yesterday, he went against the AFP policy preventing its members from joining such actions. "I was once again ordered to report to Villamor Air Base today but I did not. And I’m ready to face the consequences. Being here is more important to me," he said.

Sebastian said he doesn’t care if his resignation from the AFP, which he filed almost three months ago, is denied or even if he gets dismissed instead. "Di bale na mawala ang benefits. Walang problema hanggat makatulong ako sa sports," he added.

As of yesterday afternoon, close to 50 athletes and coaches were around to keep vigil in the parking lot facing the PSC administrative building where a couple of small tents were pitched. Sebastian said they were to stay there until Tuason is ousted.

"I don’t think they can get us out of here. We’ll be here tonight, tomorrow, and on Sunday and we’ll even join them in their flag-raising ceremony on Monday. I hope he (Tuason) will be here by then," Sebastian said.

Tuason is in Baguio City for a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Military Academy, whose facilities will be made available for national athletes training and staying in the country’s summer capital. He is expected to be back soon.

Sebastian said Tuason’s refusal to step down from the post he has held since 1998 will leave the ball in the hands of President Arroyo. "We’re giving her a free hand to choose the people who will run the PSC. We won’t even make any recommendations," he said.

And what if the President decides to keep Tuason in the government sports agency?

"Bahala na si Presidente. She can retain Tuason but we’ll remain here. Everyday," said Sebastian. "Basta hindi na kami makikipag-usap kay Tuason. Paulit-ulit na lang kasi. Parang sirang plaka na ang mga promises niya sa amin."