MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino yesterday said he plans to call for a special election to fill in the position vacated by former president Ricky Vargas.
In a surprise move, Vargas tendered his irrevocable resignation last Tuesday, saying he determined that “there are other sports leaders who would have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively.”
Joey Romasanta, the first vice president, assumed the vacant post per rule of succession.
Romasanta said as affirmed by the board, he will “serve the unexpired term” of Vargas through November 2020.
“Hindi na, tatapusin na lang, yun ang napagkayarian ng board (No need for elections. The board decided to just finish the remaining term),” he said.
But Tolentino, the cycling chief who was Vargas’ candidate for chairman in the February 2018 polls, insists there should be a voting, saying neither Romasanta nor the next in line, second VP Antonio Tamayo, is qualified to take over.
“Under the POC bylaws, Article 7, a special election may be called by the chairman within 30 days from the date the vacancy arises, if the named successors – first VP and second VP are not qualified to succeed. These two officers must possess the qualifications of POC president. Among others, they must be an incumbent president of an Olympic sport-NSA,” he said in a statement.