Romero to Peping: Give others chance

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Mikee Romero of party-list group 1-Pacman urged newly elected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. yesterday to resign to give way to younger sports leaders.

“For the sake of Philippine sports, I call on Mr. Cojuangco to be a true sportsman and statesman, and step down. There are younger and more competent leaders who can take over,” he told the Usaping Balita forum at the Serye Café’ in Quezon City.

He said the POC chief could give way to boxing’s Ricky Vargas, who was disqualified in last month’s election for the POC presidency for allegedly failing to meet the required number of attendance in the sports body’s general assembly meetings.

Romero, who is also chairman of the PBA board of governors, said cycling’s Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and badminton’s Alfredo “Albee” Benitez could be the other candidates for POC head.

The two are his colleagues in the House of Representatives. Tolentino is a Tagaytay City congressman, while Benitez represents Negros Occidental’s third district.

Romero said the 82-year-old Cojuangco has served as POC president for 12 years.

“Twelve years is enough,” he said.