No room for debate in POC bets forum

MANILA, Philippines - If it pushes through, the open forum among all candidates in the Nov. 30 Philippine Olympic Committee elections should be one that’s informative, healthy and clean.

“It’s not a room for debate. It’s not the place to argue,” said Ricky Palou, one of three members of the POC elections committee of the forum being planned for Nov. 15.

All 40 members of the POC, plus International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines, Frank Elizalde, and the two members of the athletes’ commission, boxer Harry Tañamor and long jumper Marestella Torres, will be invited to the forum.

Former congressman Victorico Chaves, who heads the elections committee, came up with the idea so the POC members will get the chance to hear the platform of all the candidates. Br. Bernie Oca is the other member of the committee.

“That’s all there is to the forum. Everybody will get the chance to listen to the candidates speak out their program. They will not be there fighting each other. There will be no attacks on any person,” Palou said yesterday.

It’s the first time a forum close to the POC elections will take place, and Palou said he expects everybody to attend, including members of the media.

“We want the POC to be united and be a family. Again, there will be no debate. We just want to get everybody together and meet all the candidates. We just want to know their programs,” he added.

Aside from the presidency and the chairmanship of the POC, other positions to be disputed are those for first and second vice presidents, treasurer, auditor and the directors.

So far, there have been heated arguments regarding the eligibility of certain candidates. But while the elections committee have cleared most cases, the one that remains in question is that of athletics chief Go Teng Kok.

Go is challenging Jose “Peping” Cojuangco who is seeking a third term as POC president. To be allowed to run, he must prove before the committee that the courts have ruled against the POC declaring him persona non-grata almost two years ago.

“Once the POC receives a certified copy of the Supreme Court decision reportedly favoring Mr. Go then we will clear his candidacy. He will be allowed to run,” said Palou.

The Ateneo official said the decision of the elections committee regarding the case of Go will be final, and not even the POC or its general assembly can question it.

“It is the understanding that our decision is final. We don’t see the general assembly overturning our decision. We want this to be a good election -- a unifying one. 

“That’s why we are appealing. Once elections are over let us rally behind the officials for the benefit of Philippine sports,” said Palou.

Now that’s easier said than done.