Mon Fernandez has PSC’s back in fight against POC

CEBU, Philippines - Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez is not alone in the seemingly tough battle he is waging against Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose 'Peping' Cojuango and other erring officials of various NSAs (National Sports Associations).

He has the support of the entire Philippine Sports Commission.

PSC chairman William "Butch" Ramirez made the bold pronouncement himself, saying the PSC Board is fully supporting the move of Fernandez to file libel charges against Cojuangco over allegations that Fernandez was a 'game-fixer' during his illustrious PBA career.

"The whole PSC Board is in support of Fernandez," said Ramirez in a wide-ranging talk with Cebu sportswriters at Hotel Fortuna last Tuesday night. "When you hit one of my commissioners, you hit me also and in doing so, you also hit the President (Rodrigo Duterte). They must realize that."    

Fernandez openly criticized the 82-year-old Cojuangco for clinging on to power despite his poor leadership at the POC that is among the reasons why the Philippines' performance is in a downward spiral even at the Southeast Asian level. That not to mention several irregularities and misuse of funds plaguing the POC under Cojuangco's watch.

In an apparent attempt to hit back at his top critic, Cojuangco dropped a bombshell by declaring that Fernandez has no moral ascendancy to guide Philippine sports 'for throwing away games just for money' during his playing years in the pro league. ”How would the athletes feel if they have that kind of a leader?” he asked.

But Ramirez advised Cojuangco to just stick to the real issue at hand instead of using such accusation as a smokescreen to shield himself from the controversies hounding him.

"That 'game-fixing' allegation against Fernandez is really painful for me," said Ramirez. "But we're not talking about personalities here. Let's talk about the real issues instead," said Ramirez.

Fernandez, on his end, is profoundly grateful for the reassuring words of the PSC chair.

"I really had no doubt that I will be backed up by the PSC because we're just implementing what the commission told us to do. Exposing all the irregularities and corrupt practices of any sports agency is part of our job," said Fernandez, who won four MVP trophies and a record 19 championships during his prime.

"We are here to take care of the taxpayers' money most especially me being a former national athlete. That's where I come from. You know our national athletes have been the aggrieved party ever since and now we are here to look after their welfare. We want to make sure that the people's money will be given only to those deserving athletes and coaches," he added.

Cojuangco's verbal jab did not sit well with Fernandez, who is now hell bent on filing the appropriate charges to give the POC chief a chance to prove his claim in proper forum.

Fernandez, however, is willing to back out of his plan on certain conditions.

"After a thorough consultation with my lawyers, we've decided to file a libel case against Peping here in Cebu," said Fernandez. "But as what I've said earlier, I'm willing to drop the case if he retracts his statement, issues a public apology, and resigns as POC president.” (FREEMAN)