Mon Fernandez all set for duty as PSC OIC

CEBU, Philippines —  Checking the program for Olympic qualifiers and those who still have to qualify tops the to-do list of duties of Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez as officer-in-charge of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Fernandez, a four-time PBA MVP with a record 19 championships under his belt, is already in Manila upon the instrucion of PSC chairman-on-leave William “Butch” Ramirez to take over the caretaker responsibility of the agency tasked to run the country’s sports affairs.

Ramirez is currently on leave to take care of his ailing wife Mercy, who recently underwent gall bladder surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Taguig City. He is set to return on July 20.

“On top of my agenda is to continue the plans that we as a Board have put in place. Check the program for the Olympic qualifiers and those who still have to qualify,” said the 66-year-old Fernandez.

As of now, four Pinoys have already booked tickets to next year’s Tokyo Olympics in boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and gymnast Carlos Yulo.

Fernandez said he will be working closely with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the national sports associations (NSAs), and the Chef de Mission to identify the athletes that have the highest chances to qualify for the quadrennial games.

He also hopes to have a meeting with fellow commissioners Charles Maxey, Arnold Agustin, and Celia Kiram to sort out important things that merits immediate action.

Fernandez will be discharging his duties while under 14-day quarantine in his quarters at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.