Struggling to save Philta

Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) president Atty. Antonio Cablitas never dreamed of becoming a lawyer when he entered college at FEU. His passion was sportswriting and as a reporter for the campus publication FEU Advocate, he churned out inspiring stories on athletes like Mona Sulaiman and Cornelio Padilla. Cablitas even apprenticed as a cub reporter for Manila Times sports editor Ricky Llanos. But his father, who came from humble beginnings to study law and blossomed as a well-respected judge, wanted him to follow in his footsteps. So as an obedient son, Cablitas shifted to San Beda and took up law. While in San Beda, Cablitas wouldn’t let go of his love for writing and did pieces for the school Law Journal and the Bedan Barrister newspaper.

After graduation, Cablitas focused on practicing law and gained a solid reputation in more than four decades of dedicated work, starting with the prestigious Quisumbing firm. He has handled major cases successfully as a trial and litigation lawyer and now at 73, continues to be a beacon in his profession. It was in 1986 when Cablitas was introduced to Philta, resolving a leadership issue involving Mayor Pablo Olivarez and Col. Buddy Andrada. He got hooked on tennis and served as Philta vice president for six years. In 2017, Cablitas was elected as Philta president, filling the void left by Mayor Edwin Olivarez who had resigned the year before. Since his return to Philta, Cablitas has worked tirelessly to bring Philippine tennis back on track but also faced serious opposition from those who questioned his leadership.

The battle got to a point where a petition was made to PSC to stop funding Philta. And it got uglier when a complaint was raised to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), leading to Philta’s suspension last November. “Kawawa naman ang tennis,” said Cablitas. “We’re prohibited from joining ITF-sanctioned activities. To be honest, I’m more hurt than our players. But this shouldn’t be about me. Who filed the complaint before ITF? If you’re wondering about this suspension, I think the real culprits are those who filed the complaint. The ITF formed an independent tribunal to look into this case but I have yet to see a bill of particulars. If the complaint is about Philta, then it should be referred to POC or SEC, not ITF. The solution isn’t to replace Philta with another body. The solution is to work together.”

Cablitas said early this year, Philta conducted another election with POC officials attending. “If the complaint is based on a question of governance and a failure of providing widespread membership, what is the basis?” Cablitas continued. “I understand the governance issue dates back to many years before I assumed office. On the matter of representation, we’re taking steps to involve officials from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to expand our board in a broad plan to implement a nationwide membership. We’re not fighting ITF. Philta has been a respected institution for decades. I don’t think it should be destroyed. I’m ready to sit down with anyone who has a heart for tennis to solve this problem. I’m open to coming together for the good of our athletes and our sport. If a transition president is a way to resolve this problem, may I suggest an honorable and respected tennis patron in Mr. Oscar Hilado.”

Cablitas said the ITF will hold its annual general meeting on Dec. 4 and he expects Philta’s case to be taken up. “We’re doing our part to lift the suspension,” he said. “But this is beyond me. The suspension was imposed without due process. The complaint is frivolous. This is a senseless destruction of Philippine tennis. I won’t stay long in this position but at the moment, I’m just doing my job and trying to do it right.”

Cablitas said he has rolled out initiatives to encourage the organization of tennis clubs, coaches, ladies, seniors and parents associations. “I’ve traveled to key areas and provinces during my visits to tournaments including the four Cablitas Age Group Masters Cups held every year to determine the top 10 age groupers in different categories,” he said. “We’re due for a formal tie-up and signing with DECS on a nationwide training program involving thousands of Physical Education teachers. We welcome an honest-to-goodness fact-checking through ITF’s duly authorized development officers. Otherwise, this will signal a devastation of Philippine tennis with our young boys and girls who are now prominently performing above standards as virtual victims.” The once budding sportswriter-turned-lawyer is now fighting to save not just Philta but also Philippine tennis.