No challenger yet vs Peping

MANILA, Philippines - Jose “Peping” Cojuangco will seek a third term as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee when the local sports body holds its elections in November.

So far, no one has come out in the open as the one who would challenge Cojuangco, who will turn 78 on Sept. 19, for the position he has held since 2004.

Manny Lopez, POC first vice president and former head of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, looms as a worthy challenger.

There’s also talk that Lopez is out to reclaim his post as ABAP president.

But the chef-de-mission of the Philippine contingent to the recent London Olympics, has yet to comment on the issue.

The name of Ricky Vargas, now the ABAP chief, is also being floated as a candidate for the POC presidency.

If there are no challenger or challengers, Cojuangco gets a third term by acclamation, the same manner by which he got the position in 2004.

In 2008 he was challenged by shooting’s Art Macapagal, half brother of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Cojuangco won by the elections, 21-19.

Cojuangco is the uncle of President Aquino.

“As of now I don’t see anyone challenging Mr. Cojuangco for the POC presidency,” said POC spokesman and Philippine Karatedo Federation president Jose Romasanta.

“Pero baka may lumabas din later on (But someone might emerge),” said Romasanta, who will vie for the POC post of first vice president in November.

Romasanta said he is aware of the talks that Lopez might run for POC president.

“It’s up to him. Anybody can run as long as he or she has been with a national sports association (NSA) for four years,” Romasanta said.

He added that he recently spoke to former POC president Celso Dayrit, who has a solid block in the Olympic body, and got the impression that no one from the group is interested.

“Wala naman daw,” said Romasanta.