Coscolluela gets FEI blessing

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation Equestre Internationale has finally recognized Carissa Coscolluela as the new and rightful president of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines.

Alexander McLin, secretary-general of FEI, wrote a letter to Coscolluela last May 28, addressing the party-list congresswoman as “president” of the RP equestrian federation.

The FEI recognition of Coscolluela, who was elected EAP president last April 23, should end Jose “Peping” Cojuangco’s eight-year reign as head of the federation.

Cojuangco, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee from 2004, was head of the Philippine Equestrian Federation from 2001-2006, and of the EAP until this development.

Cojuangco contested Coscolluela’s election, saying it was illegal. The FEI, the world governing body in the sport, listened to both sides but found merit on the latter.

Cojuangco, according to his spokesman Jose Romasanta, has not yet received a copy of the FEI letter, but is preparing a statement to be issued today.

The POC chief is scheduled to leave for Italy tonight for a personal commitment.

“Firstly, let me thank you for being so cooperative in providing us with all the necessary documentation enabling the accurate and objective analysis of the validity of the elections held during your special meeting April 23,” McLin told Coscolluela.

“On the basis of the written submissions of both parties and evidence produced, the FEI confirms recognition of the National Federation as the sole authority (besides FEI itself) for equestrian disciplines in the Philippines.”

McLin is hoping that the decision “will enable” Coscolluela’s group “to regain effective control of our sport as required by the FEI Statutes for the greatest interest of our sport in your country.”

McLin also wrote Cojuangco last May 28, no longer as EAP president but in his capacity as POC president.

“My decision is based on the thorough analysis of the documents presented by both sides,” said McLin who also thanked Cojuangco for his “past contribution” to equestrian.

Even if Cojuangco is no longer equestrian chief, he will remain as POC president until 2012. And he’s not the only key officer in the POC with no NSA (national sports association) to run.

Manny Lopez, the POC vice president, is no longer head of the boxing association, along with POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros who is no longer head of bowling, and POC treasurer Julian Camacho who is no longer president of wushu.

The POC is now bound to recognize and honor Coscolluela and her group as a new POC member, being the group duly recognized by the International Federation, in this case the FEI.

Romasanta, however, sounded like all’s not lost on Cojuangco regarding the issue, saying, “Ngayon pa lang sumasaya ito (The fun has just started here).”

The Philippine Sports Commission, the government’s funding arm in sports, should follow suit. Coscolluela said she’d soon pay a courtesy call on PSC chief Harry Angping.

“I am planning to work tremendously hard. We are very thankful for the final recognition that the FEI has given us and we hope that everyone concerned, especially the POC, will respect this decision,” said Coscolluela.