Fernandez files case vs POC chief in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez yesterday trooped to the Palace of Justice in Cebu City and filed a libel case against Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

The 63-year-old Fernandez sued Cojuangco over the latter’s remarks during a session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum in Manila, accusing his fellow sports official of “throwing games” during his playing days in the PBA.

“This is the only way that I can compel the POC and the previous PSC board to answer the real issues that I brought forth in relation to the financial assistance that the PSC extended the POC in the years 2010 to 2016,” said Fernandez.

He also said filing the case will give him the chance to address Cojuangco’s allegations.

The four-time MVP and 19-time champion in the PBA did not mention any amount that would represent the damages caused by Cojuangco’s allegations.

But a few weeks ago, Fernandez said it should be enough to fund a program that can help the country win the elusive gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Atty. Ramsey Quijano filed the grave oral defamation case on behalf of Fernandez, who was appointed by President Duterte as one of four commissioners at the Philippine Sports Commission last June.

Fernandez had been critical of Cojuangco’s POC leadership the past months. 

In retaliation, Cojuangco accused Fernandez of “throwing games” during his PBA career, saying he has enough in his hands to back his claims.