New era in Philippine sports: Ricky Vargas ends Peping Cojuangco's 13-year POC reign

CEBU, Philippines — Ricky Vargas defeated Peping Cojuangco for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency yesterday at  the Wack Wack Country Club in Mandaluyong.

Vargas, the boxing chief and Philippine Basketball Association’s chairman, ended Cojuangco’s 13-year reign, 24 votes to 15.

Bambol Tolentino, cycling’s top honcho, secured the chairmanship after defeating Ting Ledesma of table tennis 23 to 15.

"They want change. I hope I could live up to their expectations," Vargas said, refering to public sentiment.

The new POC leaders dedicated their victory to the Filipino athletes and hinted on making the hosting of Asian Games this August and the Southeast Asian Games in 2019 their immediate priority.

Vargas’ triumph came in a day before he turned 66.

Cojuangco, who was accompanied by daughter and veteran national athlete Mikee, was the longest-serving POC chief. His tenure dates back to 2004.

The embattled former president was challenged by the Vargas’ camp in November of last year but was barred from joining the elections on grounds of active membership.

A three-man team, led by Frank Elizalde—formerly the country’s representative to the International Olympic Committee—ruled on Thursday that Vargas and Tolentino are eligible for election, upholding a court order by the Pasig Regional Trial Court that nullified and rendered void Cojuangco’s victory last year.

The legal drama, which culminated following the ruling of Elizalde’s committee, paved the way for yesterday's re-election and eventually a new era in Philippine sports’ leadership.

Cojuangco’s long reign was hounded by empty promises and anemic international performances in the international arena, causing his popularity to both spectators, politicians and most importantly national athletes to dip.

His best moment as the leader of the Olympic body came during the 2005 SEA Games in the country’s capital where the Philippine delegation 291 medals comprised 113 gold, 84 silver and 94 bronze.

But that outing wasn’t devoid of scandal. Five years later, Cojuangco was accused of misusing hosting funds following assessment done by the Commission on Audit.

What was widely regarded as the last straw was the country’s 6th-place finish in the SEA Games. Cojuangco targeted a gold-medal haul of 50 only to bring home 29. The Filipinos’ worst performance in the meet was the worst in 18 years.