Malacañang rallies behind POC, athletes

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has thrown its full support to the campaign of Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas to set aside politics and focus on the hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez has also accepted his nomination as as chef-de-mission of Team Philippines in the SEA Games on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

“We call on everyone to insulate sports from politics,” Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in the wake of the squabble at the Olympic body marring the preparations for the SEAG staging. 

“We should be together rallying behind and supporting all Filipino athletes who are set to compete in the games as we extend our world-famous warmth and hospitality to our brothers and sisters in the region, who are coming to Manila either to participate and represent or cheer their nations,” he added.

Amid a rift between the POC leadership and seven members of the board, Vargas had proposed that “we allow the holding of the SEA Games without obstruction” then tackle politics in a general election in January 2020, months earlier than the original schedule.

“I express my sincere appreciation of President Duterte for coming to the side of the athletes in their quest for glory in the coming SEA Games. The President has shown that he will always put the welfare of the athletes above all else,” Vargas said.

The POC chief gave the statement in a press conference, where Ramirez announced he was now taking on the role of the chef de mission in the SEAG after initially declining. Vargas and Ramirez were joined by Assistant Sec. Kim Uy of the Office of the Executive Secretary, and POC communications director Ed Picson.

“I call on all parties in the POC to draw inspiration from the pronouncement (of Malacañang). We can never achieve our goals unless we are one in ensuring the success of the SEA Games,” said Vargas.

“Let me assure everyone that whatever issues we faced together or against each other, it was never personal to me. And I will make sure the POC institution is always safeguarded. The necessary mechanisms are there,” he added.

Ramirez said he had a change of heart due to national interest. Vargas himself had nominated Ramirez for the post as part of the shakeup of key positions he made during the POC general assembly.

“I accept the challenges of the CDM position, aside from the instructions of my bosses, is to heed the call for help of the POC. As a sports government arm, we show our readiness to step in, to help in the capacity being requested and if possible, mediate to make it happen,” he said.

“I do this in the interest of protecting our national commitment. While we have our own interests, we are duty-bound to prioritize national interest above all,” he added. 

The sports executive from Davao said his first order of business as CDM is to gather national sports associations for an “assessment meeting” on Monday to see where the preparations are at. The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee headed by its chair Alan Peter Cayetano is also expected in the gathering, where the raging issues will likely be brought up.

“I think the signal of Malacañang is really to have truce in preparation for the SEA Games. Kayang-kaya natin ito (We can do this),” said Ramirez.

Vargas welcomed Ramirez’ decision.

“Seated side by side with our new CDM, we have became stronger. Actually, we have a lot of responsibility for our chairman and we feel that at this point in time we’re holding the SEA Games in the country. He’s the most qualified to handle the job so I thank him very much for accepting and reconsidering,” he said.

“Pangarap ko talaga (It’s my dream) as we move forward to the SEA Games, we can work together, forget about our differences. After the SEA Games, pwede na tayong mag election, pwede na silang humanap ng bagong leadership o ano man (we can have our elections, they can start looking for a new leadership of whatever). Tapusin muna natin ito (Let’s get this done first), that what we want to do and with the strong leadership of chairman as our CDM, I think we’ll be able to do that,” he added.