Cojuangco seeks 4th term as POC chief

MANILA, Philippines – It seems that Jose “Peping” Cojuangco is headed to another four-year term as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, which will hold its quadrennial elections in November.

With just over two months to the elections, no one has shown interest in challenging the former congressman from Tarlac for the top position in the local Olympic body.

However, if Cojuangco runs unopposed, he would still need the vote of the majority, according to POC first vice president Jose Romasanta.

“It’s not like all he needs to do is show up on election day. He still would need the vote of the majority,” said Romasanta of the elections that will take place on the last Friday of November.

There are 40 voting NSAs (national sports associations) in the POC and three others including International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski and athletes’ representatives to the POC – Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting and Henry Dagmil of track and field.

Therefore, Cojuangco will need 22 votes or majority of 43 to secure his fourth term. He first became POC president by acclamation in 2004, then defeated the late Art Macapagal of shooting in a tight contest, 21-19, in 2008 and then again unopposed in 2012.

Four years ago, Cojuangco faced no opponent and earned 32 out of the 43 votes.

“Basically, Mr. Cojuangco still has the same number,” said Romasanta, who will seek the same position as first vice president and continues to enjoy the support of the majority.

Romasanta said the POC will hold a board meeting on Oct. 7 with no clear agenda yet. If the elections are not tackled, it will be raised in the next General Assembly.

He said it’s not easy to find another candidate for POC president, a position that requires the full time and attention of any candidate.

And there are certain rules to follow as stated under the POC constitution and by-laws, foremost of which is being a president of an Olympic sport the past four years, and being an active member.

“Granting that one meets the first requirement, is he or she an active member of the POC and attending the General Assembly on a regular basis?” said Romasanta, who in 2012 defeated Manny Lopez of boxing in the battle for the vice presidency, 24-16.

“There are rules to follow and these are rules that we did not set ourselves. The rules have been there under the POC constitution, and for everybody to follow,” he added.