Richard Gomez is Asiad contingent head

MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gomez, the actor, sportsman and politician rolled into one, has been named as chef-de-mission of the Philippine delegation to this year’s Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

Gomez, president of the Philippine Fencing Association and now mayor of Ormoc City, received his appointment from Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas yesterday.

The actor, who was into archery, rowing, karting and shooting aside from basketball, volleyball and golf, takes over the position vacated by POC treasurer Julian Camacho.

Following the POC elections last Feb. 23, where Vargas defeated long-time president Jose Cojuangco, Camacho tendered his resignation as chef-de-mission to the 2019 SEA Games.

Camacho said it was out of “delicadeza,” saying while he will continue to serve the POC and Philippine sports in general, he wanted to give the new president a free hand.

Vargas also appointed veteran broadcaster Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines, as POC spokesperson and communications director.

Robert Bachmann of squash was named chairman of the membership committee, joined by Pearl Managuelod and Quintin Pastrana. Former POC chairman Robert Aventajado will be joined in the arbitration and disputes committee by Atty. Charlie Ho.

Patrick Gregorio has been named POC secretary-general with Karen Caballero as his deputy.

Slowly, the POC is sporting a new face.

“These committees are critical because there are several NSAs that are saddled with leadership or turf issues. We need to settle those so we can concentrate on our athletes’ training and welfare,” he said.

The past week has been a very busy week for Vargas, who had made the rounds of the Senate, visiting boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, meeting with Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez.

The other day, Vargas sat down with key officials of the 2019 SEA Games Organizing Committee, headed by its chairman, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and its executive director, Ramon Suzara.

“I am exhilarated with the first couple of days in the POC. It has been a whirlwind of activity and that’s the way I like it. Sure, there were some distractions, such as an anonymous letter, but I do not allow such things to affect my focus. In the end, it is my decision, my responsibility and my accountability. I stand by my decisions but if I need to make adjustments or even backtrack, I will do so,” said Vargas.