Shame and scandal - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Col. Julian Malonso said if sports is the gauge of national progress, the country isn’t moving forward.

"It’s very sad," lamented Malonso. "Sports shapes the country. It’s a way of life. So if there is no sports program at all, if our leaders are selfish, we are lost. In the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines) case, the problem is everybody wants to be President. It’s all about money. Maybe, it’s because we’re hard-up and that’s why we’re greedy for positions.

Malonso confessed that he has no sympathy for either Lito Puyat or Tiny Literal–both of whom are claiming to be the legitimate BAP President. But if pressed for a choice, he’d pick Literal whom he described as "a simple man." Puyat, he said, has been around too long and should give way for others to serve.

What saddens Malonso even more is the poor example the country’s sports leaders are giving to the youth. The endless squabbling over turf, the vindictiveness, the jockeying for power positions, the avarice, and the disregard for the welfare of athletes are symptoms of a malaise that belies a culture of corruption.

Then there is the lack of discipline.

"I hate to admit that for the most part, we are uneducated, that we are ill-mannered," continued Malonso. "That’s why I hate to travel because I see how disciplined other people are and how undisciplined we are. Even in lining up for Holy Communion, there are people who cut in, just like in traffic where the rule is survival of the fittest. Another issue is the question of morals. How many of our sports officials can claim to be of good moral standing?"

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Celso Dayrit echoed Malonso’s sentiments.

"It’s an insult being in Philippine sports," he said. "Nakakahiya tayo. But something has to be done to solve the problem. We just can’t wash our hands and do nothing."

Yesterday, Dayrit phoned to reassure that he has nothing against Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) President Go Teng Kok, reputedly the brains behind the smear campaign to discredit the POC leadership. He also asked that I not write about our conversation.

"The less I talk about the problem, the better for peace," said Dayrit.

But even as I told Dayrit I wouldn’t write about our talk, I’m compelled to share his thoughts so the public may know where he’s coming from. I’m sure Dayrit will understand.

"It’s not true I distrust Go," said Dayrit. "I never ostracized him. I just don’t know what to offer him to make him happy. Last week, Mr. (Florencio) Campomanes arranged a meeting to get us together. Go asked for the POC to recognize Tiny as BAP President but I explained that it’s non-negotiable because the issue has been elevated to the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) level."

Dayrit said it’s up to Puyat and Literal to settle their dispute. If they can’t agree on a settlement, then they’ve got to bring it up to the FIBA for arbitration. Dayrit said those are the only options available. The problem is in the second option, it may mean foregoing participation in the Southeast Asian Games because the FIBA is not likely to make a ruling before the July 15 deadline for submission of entries.

Dayrit appealed to Puyat and Literal to set aside their differences "for the sake of Philippine sports." Perhaps, the ultimate solution is for both to drop their claims to the presidency and agree on a compromise."

"It’s not about Go and me," continued Dayrit. "It boils down to the BAP. I tried to be as objective and neutral. I’ve been accused of being biased but my decisions are based on issues. I’ve tried to unite the National Sports Associations (NSAs) but how can I do it if there are certain people out to destabilize the POC?"

Philippine sports is beset by intrigue, personal conflict, and politics. Malonso said a purge is necessary–a house-cleaning to get rid of the bad apples spoiling the barrel. He, in fact, welcomed the FIBA suspension and advocated withdrawing from all international competitions until the house is put back in order.

Tapping Philippine Long Distance Tel. Co. Chairman Manny Pangilinan as a white knight to rescue the BAP from free-falling to the depths of mediocrity is a positive development. Pangilinan is expected back from the US today–he left last Sunday to visit his ailing mother. Perhaps, Pangilinan can bring back sanity into the BAP.