Peping Cojuangco, Albert Agra head POC committees

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday bared the list of appointees to key positions as the local Olympic body moved forward under its new president, Ricky Vargas, and chairman, Rep. Abraham Tolentino.

Former POC chief Jose Cojuangco heads the list of appointees as chairman of the committee on Constitutional revisions and amendments, with another former POC president, Celso Dayrit, as member.

Vargas lived up to his promise shortly after becoming POC president to give the 83-year-old Cojuangco his due recognition as immediate past president.

“There are things to be done as far as amendments to the POC Constitution and By-Laws are concerned. And it’s not an easy task,” said Cojuangco yesterday.

Lawyer Albert Agra, who served as acting Justice Secretary under the Arroyo administration, was appointed POC general counsel. He also joins the committee on Constitutional amendments. Earlier, Vargas also named Patrick Gregorio secretary-general.

Also named to key positions were Jose Romasanta and Jonne Go (ways and means), Robert Aventajado and Atty. Charlie Ho (arbitration and disputes), Al Panlilio (finance), Rep. Robbie Puno, Atty. Clint Aranas and Ed Picson (NSA, government and PSC affairs), Robert Bachmann, Pearl Managuelod and Quintin Pastrana (membership), Cynthia Carrion, Ada Milby and Karen Caballero (women in sports), Col. Jeff Tamayo and Jacel Kiram (sports for peace and indigenous games), Atty. Edwin Gastanes and Dennis Nuevo (ethics), and David Carter (technical).

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and triathlete Niko Huelgas were named to head the athletes’ commission. Picson was also named POC spokesman and communications director.