Philta to settle leadership row

MANILA, Philippines – Parties in the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) agreed to keep the status quo on their leadership makeup following a meeting with visiting International Tennis Federation (ITF) president David Haggerty and Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco.

Per agreement, incumbent Salvador Andrada will continue to sit as Philta head until another election is held in January next year.

Last July, the Philta board voted Andrada to the post vacated by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, tasking him to finish the latter’s unexpired term lasting until 2018.

But Andrada’s assumption was questioned by Philta vice president Randy Villanueva, who claimed he is the rightful successor as VP.

POC legal counsel Ramon Malinao pointed out that under the Philta by-laws, the vice president does not automatically assume the position if the presidency is vacated.

“The ITF will not tell you what to do, you yourself know what’s in the best interest of the sport we all love,” Haggerty said.

Cojuangco, for his part, advised Philta executives to defer their action.

“Don’t do anything for now but after the POC election (in November),” said the POC chief.

Andrada proposed to hold the Philta polls on Jan. 17, 2017.