POC, WEI AND SUZARA IN 2006

courtesy of LVPI

I obtained a copy of Quinito Henson's article in Philippine Star dated March 23, 2006. What I find extremely interesting about the old article is that the names of Wei Jizhong and Tats Suzara appear.

Re: All's well that ends well: the 2007 BAP-SBP merger

RP 5 qualified for Asiad
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin M. Henson
The Philippine Star 03/23/2006


Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Asian Games task force head Go Teng Kok said yesterday the national cage team is qualified to play in Doha late this year and the only stumbling block is the suspension by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Go was recently in Doha with former Asian Basketball Confederation secretary-general Moying Martelino and Tats Suzara to confer with the Asian Games organizing committee on procedural matters.

"Because our basketball team finished fourth in the last Asian Games, we are automatically seeded in Doha," said Go. "But since we’re suspended, we couldn’t accept the entry form for basketball."

Go reported that several influential Asian sports officials offered to assist the POC in convincing FIBA to lift the country’s suspension. He singled out China’s Wei Ji Zhong, chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sports Commission and president of Asian volleyball, as particularly sympathetic to the Philippine cause.

"It was Mr. Wei who advised us to just proceed with what we’re doing," related Go. "Mr. Wei even asked to be briefed on the chronology of events that led to the suspension and how the POC is handling the problem."

Wei told Go there is no reason why FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann will deny POC’s endorsement of Pilipinas Basketball as the country’s new affiliate to FIBA in place of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) which has been expelled by the General Assembly.

"The basketball stakeholders strictly followed the conditions set by the memorandum of understanding signed by FIBA and the POC," said Go.

The only hitch is BAP president Joey Lina’s refusal to support Pilipinas Basketball. One of Bauman’s conditions to the POC is the unanimous approval from the five major stakeholders–the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the Philippine Basketball League, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Lina–of Pilipinas Basketball. Lina has declined to support the new organization and is insisting on retaining the BAP in a "revitalized" form.

Go said more than the BAP, Baumann is aware that the PBA holds the key to the success or failure of the basketball NSA.

"Mr. Baumann knows the best players in the country are in the PBA and it is in FIBA’s interest for every country member to play its best in international competitions," continued Go. "We all know the PBA is the best Filipino league and its support is crucial for the national team to succeed. The PBA will no longer lend its players to the BAP and is committed to Pilipinas Basketball."

Go said the results of the coming FIBA-Asia elections will also impact on the Philippines’ fate. The voting is scheduled May in Kuwait with secretary-general Yeoh Choo Hock of Malaysia, a known BAP ally, trying to fend off the challenge of Middle Asia secretary-general Harih Sharma of India.

Lina said if FIBA expels the BAP as country affiliate to pave the way for Pilipinas Basketball’s recognition, it will send a danger signal to all NSAs that they may be unfairly killed by a National Olympic Committee.

Lina said in a letter dated last Aug. 30, Baumann said the POC’s expulsion of the BAP as an NSA was "inappropriate" and "out of proportion." He argued that on the basis of Baumann’s conclusion, the BAP has a strong case to present before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

But Go said Baumann was subsequently enlightened by the POC, which explained the expulsion was the result of due process and strict compliance of procedures. FIBA and the POC, in fact, signed a memorandum of understanding last Sept. 29 to dispel the earlier notion that the expulsion was "inappropriate."

Lina said he is committing to make radical changes in the BAP’s constitution, by-laws and leadership structure and assured the other stakeholders they will not compromise themselves by taking the BAP approach in resolving the impasse.

"Inheriting past liabilities should not be a cause for concern," said Lina. "The BAP officials can always sign an undertaking to assume the liabilities. And as far as cases in court are concerned, the BAP is still around so that’s not a problem either. It’s been over eight years since the BAP was sued by another group called the BAPI (Basketball Association of the Philippines, Inc.) but that hasn’t stopped us from operating."

Lina mentioned that the BAP went to court last year to force its reinstatement as an NSA in order to keep basketball in the Southeast Asian Games calendar.

"We won the case but the POC refused to accept the decision," said Lina. "We filed a case for contempt but that’s now academic since the Games are over. All we wanted was even just a temporary reinstatement to play basketball then the POC can remove us again after the Games."

Reinstating the BAP as an NSA is not an option for the POC because the General Assembly has spoken. Without NSA status, the BAP cannot continue to be accepted as a country affiliate by FIBA. That is a rule which not even the CAS can override or dismiss. The BAP’s expulsion as country affiliate is therefore inevitable.

Sacrifice is necessary to push Philippine basketball forward. Now is the time for the country’s sports leaders to show their patriotism, selflessness and commitment to what is in the best interest of the majority.

What I find significant as well is that the names of Wei and Suzara appear together in an issue involving the Philippine Olympic Committee's expulsion of a National Sports Association (NSA). Could it be that the expulsion of Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) from FIBA, as contained in the article, was the start of the deliberate disenfranchisement of NSA's by POC with the help of Wei and Suzara ? 

ANG NAGBABADYANG PAGKATALO NG PVF

courtesy of LVPI

Kung akala ng Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) na madali nitong makukuha ang ganap na tagumpay at muling pagkilala ng FIVB sa pamamagitan ng ad hoc committee na magsasagawa ng imbestigasyon, nagkakamali ito.

Kailangan tandaan at intindihin ng pamunuan ng PVF na natanggal ang pagkilala hindi lamang dahil sa kagagawan ng POC at LVPI kundi malaking bahagi ng pagkawala ng pagkiilala sa PVF ay gawa mismo ng FIVB at mga namumuno nito. Naging malaki ang kasalanan ng mga namumuno sa FIVB sa kawalan ng katarungang dinanas at patuloy na dinaranas ng PVF. Hindi maisasakatuparan ang mga kagustuhan ng POC at LVPI kundi sumang-ayon at kumilos pabor sa POC at LVPI ang mga tulad nina Graca, Wei, Nasser, Wongprasert at Suzara na pawang mga mahahalagang personalidad sa FIVB at AVC.

Kapansin-pansin na sina Graca, Wongprasert, Nasser at Wei ay nasa FIVB Board of Administration (BA) na siyang magdedesisyon sa mga rekomandasyon ng ad hoc committee matapos nitong magsagawa ng imbestigasyon. Saksi ang lahat kung paano pinaboran ng apat na ito ang POC at LVPI kung kaya naging madali ang pansamantalang pagpapatalsik noon sa PVF. Ngayon, muli na namang binigyan ng pagkakataon ang apat na ito na magdesisyon sa kapalaran ng PVF. Kahit na maging patas at makatarungan ang mga rekomendasyon ng ad hoc committee, ang pangkat pa rin na kinabibilangan nina Wei, Graca, Nasser at Wongprasert ang may huling pasya patungkol sa kung ano ang dapat gawin sa PVF.

Kaya sa malamang, muling makakalasap ng pagkatalo ang PVF sa kamay ng FIVB, POC at LVPI.. Sa bandang huli, LVPI pa rin ang kikilalanin ng FIVB. Ang nalalabing pag-asa na lamang ng PVF ay kung mapatunayan nito na totoo at wagas ang pakikisabwatan ng POC at LVPI kina Wei, Graca, Nasser, Wongprasert at Suzara para isahan at mapatalsik ang PVF. Ito ang malaking hamon sa patumpik-tumpik pang PVF ngayon.

THE NEW CHALLENGE FOR PVF

courtesy of LVPI

It is quite alarming that FIVB Board of Administartion member Shanrit Wongprasert came out with a statement that FIVB will only recognize a national federation (NF) for volleyball that is recognized by a National Olympic Committee (NOC). His statement was issued in connection with a volleyball dispute in India.

Shanrit's statement is clearly flawed as it does not consider and work within the framework where a corrupt NOC exists.

Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) stands to lose its case should the FIVB ad hoc committee and Board of Administration follow the stand of Shanrit. The problem in Philippine volleyball remains because of a corrupt NOC. People have been clamoring for a change in leadership in Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) precisely because people see the corruption within the institution.

It is interesting to note that Shanrit was instrumental in the suspension of PVF from FIVB. It was Shanrit who led Peping Cojuangco, Joey Romasanta and Tats Suzara to Wei Jizhong. The meeting of those personalities in Thailand started the ball rolling for PVF's suspension. Shanrit likewise was set to resign after Thailand was robbed of a slot in Rio Olympics. But he instead had a change of heart and chose to be a part of the extremely powerful FIVB Board of Administration after PVF overcame its expulsion in Argentina.

The challenge for PVF now is how to win despite the obvious partiality of the investigation. It is quite disappointing that PVF remains complacent and inactive with regards to the coming investigation. LVPI, with its allies in the persons of Wei Jizhong, Ary Graca and Shanrit Wongprasert, remains formidable. It is LVPI, not PVF, that can afford to be complacent.

TIME TO GIVE POC A DOSE OF ITS OWN MEDICINE

In yet another gross violation of the IOC Constitution on the principle of autonomy of national federations, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) issues a directive informing Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) that it is taking over Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC). The directive is dated November 26, 2015 and signed by POC Secretary-General Steve Hontiveros.

The directive from POC to PSC is yet another blatant and shameless takeover of POC of a legitimate and well-performing national federation. Perhaps, it is now time for the new administrators of PSC to takeover POC to finally put a stop to the wanton ways of POC. Perhaps, it is time to teach POC a lesson and make it feel just how terrible it is to be taken over for no reason at all. Time perhaps for POC to have a dose of its own medicine.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FIVB AD HOC COMMITTEE TO PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL

courtesy of fivb.org

FIVB finally created the ad hoc committee that will investigate volleyball in the Philippines. The ad hoc committee, which was brought up and decided at the 35th FIVB World Congress in Argentina, has Jaime Lamboy of Puerto Rico, Tohomiro Tohyama of Japan and Vasavan Samuel of South Africa as members.

The newly-formed ad hoc committee is significant in several ways. One, it is an undeniable indication that FIVB itself finds the allegations of POC President Peping Cojuangco and LVPI President Joey Romasanta against PVF highly suspicious and irregular. Thus, FIVB sees the need to investigate though an ad hoc committee and prevent the expulsion of PVF from FIVB. Two, the committee provides an avenue where the abuses and corruption of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) can be verified, confirmed and exposed by an international federation. The corruption and abuses of POC may finally be confirmed by no less than an international federation in no uncertain terms. Three, the findings of the committee may serve as an example to other national federations in the country. That despite the extreme difficulty, a national federation, like PVF, can certainly get the justice it deserves provided it rises up to the challenge.

The task of finally defeating Cojuangco, Romasanta and POC in the eyes of the ad hoc committee remains daunting. But should PVF find the right formula, Peping and his men may just be put to shame and consequently be forced to resign in the end.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IS THE ANSWER TO PHILIPPINE SPORTS

COURTESY OF MANILATIMES.NET

The senate hearing conducted by Senator Manny Paccquiao last November 29, 2016, once again, highlighted the different forms of corruption perpetrated by no less than the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). Corruption, as revealed through the senate hearing, not only pertained to money matters but to sports management as well.

The revelations of former Senator Nikki Coseteng, PBC President Gullermo Mallilin and ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson all point out the fact that corruption in Philippines sports takes on many forms. While money remains the main component of corruption in Philippine sports, the grave abuse of power and authority and gross mismanagement of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) cannot to be disregarded and taken lightly as forms of corruption.

Thus, the solution to the problems of Philippine sports must truly be total and complete. Cutting off the funding of POC will simply not do. The disenfranchisement of national federations, the prohibition of certain athletes to join the national team and IOC-sanctioned events and perpetuation of Cojuangco as POC president will continue even if POC funding comes to a complete stop. A total revamp of POC remains as the most viable solution to Philippine sports. And that will entail the removal of all the people in POC. Government must face the challenge of removing the very people who cause all the problems in Philippine sports. And that can only happen through a strong and decisive action coming from the government no less.

IOC STATEMENT ON TERM OF OFFICE OF A NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

courtesy of olympic.org

Dear Eric,

Thank you for your email. It depends on the Statutes / Constitution of each National Olympic Committee (NOC). The Olympic Charter does not impose any specific limitation of the number of terms for the NOCs office-bearers. It is up to each NOC to decide for itself (in their respective Statutes / Constitutions).

We hope this helps.

Best regards,

The Media Relations Team

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Château de Vidy,

1007 Lausanne, Switzerland

Tel. +41 (0)21 621 6000

THE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FIGHT OF RICKY VARGAS

courtesy of spin.ph

What truly makes the fight of Ricky Vargas extremely hard to win is the fact that those who ran before him fulfilled the active member rule.

According to a POC official, Art Macapagal and Go Teng Kok both fulfilled the active member rule when they ran for president in previous POC elections. Both, according to the same POC official, attended the POC General Assemblies regularly. Both were presidents of their respective national federations when they ran. Hence, they were allowed to run by the POC Election Committee.

The same POC official likewise said that the active member rule has been in effect since 1999. But interestingly, in a previous statement, he said that the amendments of the POC charter were only submitted to IOC in 2008.

Nonong Araneta too just adds confusion to the whole issue as he actively participates in the controversy. In his last foray, Araneta zeroes in on the term of office of Peping Cojuangco as POC president. Little does Araneta know that the NOC president of Croatia has been in office for the last 20 years. Zlatko Matesa has just been elected to his fifth term as president of the Croatian Olympic Committee. IOC itself does not set  limits to the term of office of NOC presidents.

Indeed, the fight of Vargas becomes difficult as he and his people refuse to examine past and present events. It will serve Vargas and his people well to research and consult people in the know. Peping and his men are just too smart to be outwitted by people who have nothing to offer but simple rantings that lack research.

POC PRESIDENT PEPING COJUANGCO : SOBRA NA, TAMA NA, PALITAN NA

courtesy of The Professional Heckler

Bumulusok pababa ang Philippine sports simula nang umupo bilang Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president si Jose Cojuangco Jr.

Bukod sa pagbaba ng bilang ng medalya ng Pilipinas sa Asian Games at Olympics, gumulo ang pamamahala ng mga National Sports Associations (NSA's) sa pakikialam ni POC President Peping Cojuangco. Ang Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) at Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) ay ilan lamang sa mga NSA's na pinanghimasukan at tuluyang binuwag ng POC sa ilalim ni Peping Cojuangco. Ang mga atleta naman ng Azkals at Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation (PCKF) ay pinagbawalang sumali at kumatawan sa Pilipinas ng POC sa ilang mahahalagang torneo sa ibang bansa. At ngayon na, nananatiling walang kalaban si Cojuangco sa nalalapit na POC election na labis namang tinututulan ni Ricky Vargas at kanyang kampo.

Ang hindi ko lubusang maintindihan ay kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw pa rin umalis ni Cojuangco sa POC sa kabila ng labing-dalawang taon na niyang panunungkulan. Hindi pa ba sapat ang panahon na kanyang inilagi sa POC ? Hindi pa ba sapat ang gulo na nangyari sa ilalim ng kanyang pamamahala ? Hindi pa ba sapat ang lakas ng panawagan ng taumbayan na siya ay magparaya na nang magkaroon na ng pagbabago sa Philippine sports ?

Sobra na, tama na, palita na.

NSA'S WITH THE MOST BUDGET AND PEPING'S TICKET

courtesy of thehindu.com

The National Sports Associations (NSA's) that were given the most budget for 2016 , according to PSC records, are as follows :

1. Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA)           - Php 42.4 M
2. Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP)                                  - Php 31,2 M
3. Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP)                 - Php 30.8 M
4. Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation (PCKF)                                - Php 25.1 M
5. Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA)                                     - Php 24.8 M
6. National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP)                  - Php 22.2 M
7. Philippine Archers' National Network and Alliance (PANNA)        - Php 19.0 M
8. Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP)                           - Php 18.3 M
9. Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC)                                             - Php 16.6 M
10. Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP)                       - Php 15.3 M

Interestingly, 7 of the 10 NSA's listed above have their presidents running under Peping Cojuangco's ticket for the 2016 POC election. WFP President Julian Camacho, PCKF President Jonne Go, PTA President Joey Romasanta, NCFP President Prospero Pichay Jr., PBC President Steve Hontiveros, PANNA President Atty Jesus Clint Aranas and GAP President Cynthia Carrion are all running under the ticket of incumbent POC president Peping Cojuangco this November.

Draw your own conclusions dear reader.

WHAT'S NEXT, RICKY VARGAS AND PHILIPPINE SPORTS ?

courtesy of spin.ph

ABAP President Ricky Vargas has been disqualified to run for POC president by the POC Election Committee with finality. With the decision, what are the options left for Ricky Vargas ?

One, Vargas and his group can obtain a TRO to stop the POC election on November 25 until the court has decided on the legality of the disqualification. If Vargas and his group manage to obtain a TRO, the TRO must be served to the POC Election Committee. Should the court fail to serve the TRO for some reason, the election may still take place.

The second option for Vargas and his group is to encourage the POC General Assembly to have an emergency meeting to decide on the the issue whether to allow Vargas to run or not. But since Peping has the majority of the NSA's on his side, I seriously doubt whether the General Assembly will rule in favor of Vargas.

The third option for Vargas is to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). After all, almost all disputes in sports are decided in CAS. But elevating the case to CAS will entail the consumption of a lot of time. And time is certainly not on the side of Vargas. It will take at least a year for CAS to decide on the case.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) can likewise help Vargas with his candidacy. Vargas can write to IOC to ask for an amendment to the election rules of POC. But with the principle of autonomy applying to every National Olympic Committee (NOC), Vargas and his group will find it hard to convince IOC to interfere with the election rules of POC. Still, it will not hurt to give it a try.

The last option, I believe, is for government to finally intervene and act on the matter. Peping and his men have abused their power and authority for the longest time and government must not remain blind and deaf to these abuses. Through the years, POC have shattered the dreams of several athletes, coaches and NSA's to bring pride and honor to the country. It is high time that government sets its foot down and say that enough is enough.

Drastic times call for drastic action. And the time has certainly come for Philippine sports to receive drastic action. Peping Cojuangco and his men must now go. And government cannot just stand and stare.

THE FIGHT OF ABAP PRESIDENT RICKY VARGAS

courtesy of spin.ph

ABAP President Ricky Vargas faces his biggest and most crucial fight in Philippine sports as he dares to challenge Peping Cojuangco for the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) presidency.

With Frank Elizalde, a close friend of Peping Cojuangco, as head of the POC Election Committee, Vargas is truly placed in a no-win situation. No amount of appeals will make Elizalde reverse his earlier decision not to allow Vargas to run because of  the latter's non-attendance to majority of the POC General Assemblies.

Given the situation, Vargas has three more options. One, he can go to court. But with the justice system in the Philippines, it will take at least 5 years for the court to decide on his case. Two, Vargas can write to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ask the international body to ask POC to change its rules on running for an elective position. While IOC can ask POC to do so, it will really depend on POC whether it will decide to amend its rules. And chances are, POC will not do so to protect Peping's perpetual hold on the presidency. Third, Vargas can elevate his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). Aside from being expensive, it will take at least a year for CAS to decide on the case. Time definitely is not on the side of Vargas as the status quo will be maintained as the investigation rolls on. Meaning, Peping continues to act as the POC president as the case drags on.

The best possible solution to Vargas' woes will definitely be government intervention. The government intervention that is needed is the type that will immediately merit a suspension of the country from IOC. It is that type of government intervention that happened in Kuwait.

But more significantly, it is in India where the Philippines can learn most from. India was suspended from IOC because IOC saw that the election of leadership in the Indian Olympic Association was rigged. Perhaps, Vargas and his lawyers can take it from there.

Whatever option Ricky Vargas and his group take, I sincerely hope that they eventually make the most out of it and succeed. After all, the whole fiasco is bigger than Vargas and his fight to become POC president. It is all about the Filipino athletes and Philippine sports in general.

RICKY VARGAS VS. PEPING COJUANGCO : FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

courtesy of philstar.com

The fight between ABAP President Ricky Vargas against POC President Peping Cojuangco is, without a doubt, the fight of the century for Philippine sports.

The incumbent POC president scored an early knockdown against Vargas via disqualification case. But with the help of his battery of lawyers, Vargas hopes to finally win over his 82-year old opponent.

The fight is significant because it will show whether Cojuangco can actually be defeated for the position of POC president. Should Vargas fail in his bid to run against Cojuangco, then the prospect of having Cojuangco as POC president for life becomes real more than ever. With Elizalde as the head of the POC Election Committee, it is pretty much useless to expect the committee to reverse its initial decision. With that, Vargas has no other recourse but to elevate his case to IOC and CAS.

At the IOC, Cojuangco still has the advantage. Elizalde, after all, is a member of the extremely powerful Ethics Committee of the IOC. The presence of Cojuangco's daughter, Mikee, who is the official Philippine representative to the IOC, makes it doubly hard for Vargas to gain headway.

The last and only forum where I believe Vargas has a fair chance of winning his case is at the Court of Arbitration (CAS). Elevating his disqualification case to CAS will mean Vargas will have to spend a substantial amount of money. But then again, Vargas has the necessary resources to be able to see his case to its end. At the CAS, Vargas can get the best possible lawyer to handle his case. Cojuangco, for his part, I believe will not gladly part with his money to get an expensive lawyer at CAS. This is where Vargas has an advantage.

I believe that Vargas will do everything and anything to win the POC presidency. His fight not only involves himself but all the groups and companies that he represents. The bigger picture is not about sports per se. But one man's attempt to perpetuate himself and how someone chooses to do the right thing and prevent the perpetuation from happening.

ANG MALAKING PAGKAKAMALI NI POC PRESIDENT PEPING COJUANGCO

courtesy of sports.inquirer.net

Nagdesisyon ang POC Election Committee na idiskwalipika si Ginoong Ricky Vargas sa pagtakbo sa pagkapangulo ng POC. Iginiit ni Frank Elizalde, na siyang namumuno ng POC Election Committee, na kulang sa pagdalo si Vargas sa mga POC General Assemblies kaya ito hindi maaring tumakbo bilang POC president.

At ito ang malaking pagkakamali ni Peping at kanyang mga alipores.

Sa pagpigil ng kampo ni Cojuangco na patakbuhin si Vargas bilang POC president, naransan na rin ng grupo ni MVP kung paano maging biktima ng pang-aabuso ng grupo ni Peping Cojuangco. Kung dati, nananatiling walang pakialam ang grupo ni MVP sa mga pang-aapi sa iba't-ibang NSA's, ngayon alam na nila kung gaano kasakit ang mapagkaitan ng karapatan. Ngayon, alam na nila ang pakiramdam kung paano maapi. Higit sa lahat, alam na nila ngayon kung gaano na kabulok ang sistema sa pamamahala ng sports sa Pilipinas.

Tiyak na hindi tatahimik lang sa isang tabi ang grupo ni MVP sa nangyaring pagdiskwalipika sa nag-iisang kalaban ni Cojuangco sa pangkapangulo ng POC. Asahan na gagawa ang grupo ng mga hakbang na tiyak na ikakalumpo ni Cojuangco. At ito na marahil ang magsisilbing mitsa para sa inaasam na pagbabago ng Philippine sports.

POC PRESIDENCY : CHOICE BETWEEN GOOD OR EVIL

courtesy of spin.ph

   
                   It is your  choice between more of the same or something new. - Ricky Vargas

The statement above is how ABAP President Ricky Vargas describes the POC election this November. The statement is rather weak in view of what is happening in Philippine sports.

In Cojuangco's 12-year reign, we have witnessed how several NSA's were displaced and disenfranchised by POC. The latest NSA to be disenfranchised is PVF. POC too have shattered the dreams of some of our athletes to represent the country in international competitions as members of the national team. The Azkals and paddlers of PDBF are just a few of those who were not allowed to compete abroad as Philippine representatives to major tournaments.

This election therefore goes beyond a choice between something old and new. Rather, it is a choice between good or evil.

Up to this point, I am rather disappointed at how Ricky Vargas is running his campaign. In one of his statements, Vargas said that he is even allowing POC to claim that it is successful in running Philippine sports. The statement is a disservice to all the NSA's, athletes and everyone else who have experienced injustice at the hands of POC. To even associate the word successful with POC is an insult to all those who were oppressed by POC.

The failure to define the coming POC as a choice between good or evil, I think, stems from the fact that Ricky Vargas himself refuses to articulate in definite terms the serious mistakes and abuses of POC. His refusal to make definitive statements prevent the election from turning into a choice between what is right or wrong. If only Vargas can be bold and straightforward, then the choice becomes clearer.

I am really hoping that Vargas wins the POC presidency. But I am also hoping that he is brave enough to call a spade a spade. I am really hoping that he is smart enough to elevate his campaign to an issue-oriented run. That way, the election will truly become a choice between good or evil.

HOW TO BEAT PEPING COJUANGCO FOR THE POC PRESIDENCY

courtesy of INQUIRER.net

If POC elections were held right now, incumbent POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr. will easily win. In the last POC elections, the 82-year old sports official got 32 votes out of the 43 total votes cast.

There are 3 ways that I can think of that may spell defeat for the incumbernt POC president :

1. Get President Duterte to endorse Cojuangco's opponent.

2. Force Cojuangco to withdraw from the race for some reason.

3. Get the Ombudsman to release the guilty verdict to Cojuangco's cases before the POC elections.

To believe that an opponent can actually win in an election against Cojuangco is pure naivete. Joey Romasanta , Cojuangco's right-hand man, for one, counts for two votes for Cojuangco. He is, after all, the president of both the volleyball and karatedo federations. Cojuangco has cleverly placed his men in various NSA's over the years, making it virtually impossible for him to lose in an election. Unless any of the three that I mentioned happens, it will surely be another victory for Cojuangco as POC president this November.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE LVPI

While it is true that Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) scored a major victory at the recently-held 35th FIVB World Congress, PVF still has to pass through the eye of a needle to claim complete victory. The FIVB recommendation to conduct an investigation, I believe, is a mere ploy to give Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) more time to defend its claim as the national federation for volleyball in the Philippines. As seen from the General Assembly, FIVB and IOC officials who are friends with POC and LVPI pushed for the creation of an investigative body that will decide the case. Clearly, the influence and power of POC and LVPI were clearly displayed during the FIVB General Assembly

When FIVB starts its investigation, stakeholders would certainly be interviewed. These stakeholders include players and coaches. I doubt whether these players and coaches will favor PVF. After all, they earn and feed their families through the leagues conducted by PSL and Shakeys VLeague which are members of LVPI. It is but natural for these players and coaches to side with an organization that sustains them.

An investigation too reduces the number to people who will decide on the PVF case. PVF managed to pull an upset at the General Assembly because 198 member nations were there to decide whether the expulsion of PVF from FIVB was fair or not. Now, with the planned investigation, FIVB officials who will most probably go to Manila to investigate will number three at the most. The less number of people who will do the investigation and decide makes it possible for misjudgment to occur at a higher possibility.

What PVF must do now is to present new evidences that will once and for all kill LVPI. There are certainly several points that are available for PVF to focus on. I just hope PVF realizes all of them and cleverly knows how to present them in an orderly, detailed and convincing manner.

THANK YOU

Dear National Federation President,

I simply want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to present to you the truth about the case of the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF). I hope, in my own little way, I was able to enlighten you on what truly happened to volleyball in our part of the world.

I hope that with the arguments and evidences I have presented to you, you will come to a better understanding of the need not to expel PVF. I truly hope you vote according to your conscience, more than anything else. I am sure that your conscience, more than anything else, will help you make a fair and sound decision. 

In behalf of the millions of Filipinos who love volleyball and stand for justice, I thank you.

Yours,

Eric F. Dimzon

Sports Journalist

FINAL LETTER OF APPEAL TO FIVB MEMBERS

Dear National Federation President,

Greetings once again from the Philippines.

I initially wanted to answer Mr. Fabio Azevedo’s response to my first letter of appeal to you. But I do not want to burden you anymore with yet another long and tedious argument and to belabor the facts and issues involved. Instead, I wish to prove that Philippine Olympic President (POC) Jose Cojuangco Jr. did not tell the complete truth to FIVB. It is the only way to put a stop to, once and for all, all the arguments and justifications that FIVB is using in connection with its withdrawal of recognition from Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF).

In his letter to FIVB dated January 20, 2015, POC President Cojuangco stated that PVF “ has not served the best interest of Philippine volleyball for years “ as manifested by “ by being a non-participant in the Southeast Asian Games from 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 and a great number of tournaments. “ As a result, PVF lost its status as a national federation with the POC. And the POC president endorsed Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) as the new national federation for volleyball prompting FIVB to recognize LVPI as the new national federation thereafter.

But I wish to call your attention to the attachments to this letter that contain the letters of intent and official line-ups of the PVF teams from 2007-2011 that were submitted to PSC by PVF precisely for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG). The 12 pages of attachments are solid proof of PVF’S intention and desire to participate in SEAG from 2007-2011.  These attachments reveal that PVF was not remiss in its duty of forming national teams and discovering national athletes. Moreover, the attachments reveal that PVF ensured that the Philippines would be represented in SEAG. That PVF took the time and effort to prepare teams for the SEAG in all the years that the POC president mentioned. All these can hardly qualify as “ not serving the best interest of Philippine volleyball for years .” In 2013, PVF even intended to join the 17th Asian Women’s Senior Championship in Thailand as seen from one of the attachments.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the highest sports authority in the Philippines, likewise issued moments ago a certification that contains the following points :

1. That PVF was tasked to form national indoor and beach volleyball teams since 2007.

2. That PSC provided financial assistance to PVF for the 2007, 2009, 2011 editions of SEAG.

3. That the sole function/authority to send athletes/teams to IOC sanctioned events in the Philippines belongs to POC.

The certification was signed by PSC Executive Director Carlo E. Abarquez and is dated October 3, 2016. Kindly refer to one of the attachments for reference.

According to the POC Constitution Article III b,  it is POC that shall be the sole authority for the representation of the Philippines at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games as well as other events held under the patronage of IOC and OCA and to undertake the organization of these Games when they are held in the Philippines. The term "representation" covers the decision to participate and the entry of athletes selected by their respective National Sports Association (NSA's). The PSC certification raises this point as well. Thus, the non-participation of PVF volleyball teams in SEAG is the work of POC itself. It is POC that refused to send the PVF teams to the SEAG. POC did not give PVF teams its approval to participate in SEAG despite their availability, willingness and readiness to participate. What is only being observed is the apparent non-participation of PVF teams without taking into account why there is non-participation. POC refused to send PVF teams to SEAG for reasons that only POC knows. The blame for the non-participation of PVF teams to SEAG must be put squarely on the shoulders of POC.

In view of these latest revelations, I fervently hope that you see the need not to expel PVF from FIVB and to allow PVF to have a hearing at the Judicial Panel. FIVB committed a serious mistake in completely believing the statement of Cojuangco and aggravated that mistake when it decided to use Cojuangco’s misleading statement as basis for action.

It is now up to you to correct that mistake by voting no to the expulsion of PVF from FIVB and allowing PVF to present its case in a proper forum. That is the only way that justice can be served to PVF and the Filipino people in general.

Thank you.

Yours,

Eric F. Dimzon

Sports Journalist

A FINAL WORD ON PVF

courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Dear National Federation President,

Greetings from the Philippines.

As a final word on the case of the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF), I wish to share with you the Statement of Solidarity and Concern for Philippine Sports which was signed by several NatIonal Sports Association (NSA) presidents in 2009. Among the signatories is former Philippine First Lady Amelita Ramos who was the president of the badminton federation at the time. Kindly see the attachment for your reference.

According to the Statement, " the leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has interfered brazenly in the internal affairs of NSA's, trampling on their autonomy and rights. making a mockery of their election and betraying the basic principles of the POC and the POC General Assembly. " And that " All these battles and irregularities disfigure national sports today for one reason alone : Mr. Cojuangco and POC Board are formenting them in order to keep their hold on the POC presidency and to prevent any move to unseat him as POC president by November this year. " 

The pronouncements of the national federation presidents as contained in the Statement best sum up why PVF will be in Argentina to fight for its very existence. I hope that you will become a part of the historic change that Philippine sports badly need by allowing PVF to a hearing in the Judicial Panel. The Judicial Panel is where PVF can really defend itself against every allegation made by POC to FIVB. The Judicial Panel is the avenue where solid evidences can be truly appreciated. And the Judicial Panel is where justice can best be achieved by everyone.

I fervently hope that you will come to the right decision regarding the case of PVF now that certain facts are presented before you. I hope that justice is served to PVF and the Filipino people through the collective effort and decision of the General Assembly. I truly hope that the General Assembly and Judicial Panel will be the way for PVF to regain its status as the national federation for volleyball in the Philippines.

Our country awaits your sound and impartial judgment.

Thank you.

Yours,

Eric F. Dimzon

Sports Journalist

NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS (NSA) OF THE PHILIPPINES’
DECLARATION OF SOLIDARITY AND CONCERN FOR PHILIPPINE SPORTS


AS leaders of national sports associations (NSAs) in the Philippines, we are issuing this declaration of concern about the situation now prevailing in Philippine sports. In a series of arbitrary acts, the leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has interfered brazenly in the internal affairs of NSAs, trampling on their autonomy and rights, making a mockery of their elections and betraying the basic principles of the POC and the POC General Assembly.

Instead of atoning for their ineffective leadership of the Philippine contingent in the Beijing Olympics last August and launching a program of reform around which all can rally, POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. and the POC Executive Board have been obsessed with preserving their hold on power and have sought to install illegally their chosen leaders in various NSAs.

They have carried out this agenda by using a resolution surreptitiously included as part of the President’s Report in the January 24, 2007 meeting of the POC General Assembly. On the pretext that an NSA cannot resolve an internal dispute, the POC board has invoked its supposed authority to mediate and arbitrate and inflicted its will on the association. By doing so, it has willfully ignored and violated our basic rule that the POC General Assembly must ratify any arbitration decision by the POC Board on an internal NSA dispute.

The list of affected NSAs is alarming and growing:

1. ARCHERY
On January 24, 2006, Dr. Leonora Fe S. Brawner submitted her “irrevocable” resignation as president of the National Archery Association of the Philippines (NAAP). In October 2008, Councilor Renato Bartolome was elected as president. This was communicated to the POC, but the latter insisted that it would still recognize Dr. Brawner as president. NAAP’s Board of Trustees, members and athletes signed a manifesto supporting the election of Councilor Bartolome, repudiating Dr. Brawner’s leadership and denouncing POC’s interference as in violation of Philippine laws, the Olympic Charter and the POC Charter. Despite this, the POC insisted in recognizing Dr. Brawner not only as president, but as NAAP’s representative to the General Assembly. It also recognizes Ms. Teresita Lim as acting secretary-general although she was not elected as such by the Board of Trustees.
Not surprisingly, Dr. Brawner voted for Cojuangco in the POC elections in November 2008.

2. CYCLING
In a direct challenge to the duly elected leadership of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (ICFP), the POC board supported an illegal election called by disgruntled members in December 2008 at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City on the same day that the ICFP was holding its board meeting in Tagaytay City. The organization did not take it lying down, however. Despite a POC directive not to proceed, the ICFP held its elections in January 2009, and installed as president Mayor Abraham Tolentino of Tagaytay City. The elections were witnessed and recognized by the Union Cyclists International (UCI). The two sets of officers attend POC assembly meetings together, with neither one officially able to vote. The POC board recommended the holding of another election on May 9, 2009 using the 2003 list of voters and informed the UCI about it. The international federation said that another election was “out of the question” and the use of a 2003 voting list “would be an affront to all those who have worked hard for cycling in the Philippines this past 6 years.”

3. SWIMMING
In 2004, during the first year of Mr. Cojuangco’s first term as POC president, the POC installed Mr. Mark Joseph as the provisional head of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) despite the fact that he was not a PASA member or a regional director, and was only a technical official. Joseph got the nod with the proviso that he would conduct regional elections in some regions and afterwards an election of PASA board of directors that would then choose a new PASA leader.
No PASA elections have been held since despite the provision for yearly elections in the by-laws. Association members have been clamoring for elections to no avail.

4. DRAGON BOAT
Because they could not win its support, Mr. Cojuangco and the POC board have sought to downgrade the status of the Philippine Dragon Boat Association (PBDA) from voting member to non-voting member – on the flimsy ground that the sport is one of the disciplines of the International Canoe-Kayak Federation (ICF). The issue had earlier been discussed and rejected by the POC board during the first term of Mr. Cojuangco because of the support for the PBDA by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF). But the issue has now been revived by the POC board in order to take away a vote against Mr. Cojuangco. The matter is unresolved to this date.

5. BADMINTON
The legitimate leadership of the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) is under challenge by a breakaway faction because of the interference of the POC leadership. In September 2008, prior to the POC elections, one faction headed by former national coach Erroll Chan called for a special general membership meeting and conducted an election to replace PBA president Mrs. Amelita Ramos. She contended that the voting was illegal because her two-year term had yet to end in 2009. In November 2008, Mrs. Ramos informed the POC that the PBA would hold its elections in January 2009, and submitted the required election documents. The POC did not give approval, but the elections proceeded without a POC representative present. Eighteen of the 29 registered voters voted in favor of Mrs. Ramos. The election was witnessed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Harry Angping, Mr. Eric Loritizo representing POC chairman Monico Fuentebella, and Mr. Go Teng Kok of POC. Mr. Chan and his group continue to contest this election. It is noteworthy that in the January 2007 PBA election wherein Mrs. Ramos was unanimously reelected as president, it was agreed by the general membership present, including Mr. Chan, that the next election be held on January 31, 2009 (two years after).

6. BOWLING
In a bid to save the NSA presidency of POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros, the POC issued a directive that the scheduled elections of the Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) in January 2009 be postponed on the grounds that its membership list should first be cleared and its charter should be patterned after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. The POC succeeded in derailing the vote. But in March 2009, the PBC conducted its election anyway, and installed Mr. Mariano Tamayo as president and Ms. Olivia Bong Coo as secretary-general. The POC board has urged Mr. Hontiveros to contest the validity of the election, but he seems personally weary of the controversy. Meanwhile, Mr. Hontiveros continues to serve as POC secretary-general and member of the POC board without representing an NSA.

7. WUSHU
In elections held in October 2008, just before the POC elections in November, POC treasurer Julian Camacho lost his post as president of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP). The new board, however, allowed him to cast the vote for the federation in the POC elections, which he thereafter cast for Mr. Cojuangco. After the elections, Mr. Camacho refused to relinquish his post on the advice of the POC leadership. The board now insists that Mr. Camacho is still Wushu president and that WFP should amend its charter to allow him to remain. The WFP board and members are loudly protesting the actions of the POC. Mr. Camacho held his own election on April 25, 2009 after creating a new board of directors. Disregarding the original list of members, they voted for a new president and Mr. Camacho appointed himself as secretary-general. All the athletes, majority of the members and chapters do not support the new board and officers created by Mr. Camacho and the POC.

(SEE PART 2 >>>>>)

ASalvador

05-06-2009, 10:11 PM

8. BILLIARDS
In November 2008, the Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) notified the POC that it would hold its elections on December 5, 2008. But the POC secretary-general asked that the elections be deferred because of certain documentary requirements. When the BSCP completed the documents and reset the elections to April 29, 2009, the POC board declared that it was recognizing a splinter group’s call for a March 31 election. Just as alarming, the board mandated that the BSCP use a 2005 voting list instead of a current one in order to manufacture a dubious majority of resigned and dismissed members of the association. The POC board did not allow the use of the BSCP membership lists for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The legality of the March 31 election is now before the courts. Meanwhile, the BSCP held its General Membership Meeting and Board Elections on April 29, 2009, without a POC representative present. It elected Mr. Sebastian Chua as the new president.

9. EQUESTRIAN
In Mr. Cojuangco’s own sports association, the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP), the POC president abruptly called off the membership meeting and board elections set for March 31, 2009 – upon learning that he would be challenged for its leadership and faced certain defeat. He declared that the election announcement was a secretarial mistake, and that the EAP’s by-laws did not require elections until the year 2012. A majority of members contend that the by-laws clearly call for elections to be held on March 31, 2009, and that the provision for a four-year term would only apply to directors and officers elected then. After the elections failed to take place on the date prescribed in the by-laws, the members petitioned for a special membership meeting and elections, a measure provided for in the EAP’s by-laws. The POC chief fought the initiative with every weapon in his arsenal – including having certain members stricken from the voters’ list and declaring the elections illegal. But the protesting group proceeded with the elections on April 23, 2009 and elected Rep. Carissa Coscolluela as the new president of EAP.

10. WRESTLING
The Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) wrote the POC leadership of its intent to hold its national council meeting and election on December 19, 2008. The POC declined to send a representative; instead, it requested on December 15, 2008 that WAP defer the election. The Council met and decided in good faith to defer the elections, but arrived at a unanimous resolution to retain the incumbent officials.

On April 4, 2009. a national council meeting and election was illegally called by Mr. Albert Balde, auditor of the association. The WAP constitution and by-laws do not authorize an auditor to call for a meeting, much more an election. WAP President Vincent Piccio met with Mr. Cojuangco to protest the election as a gross violation of the constitution -- to no avail. The POC sent Mr. Andrada as POC representative to the April 19, 2005 election, and conferred recognition on the illegally elected officers.

All these battles and irregularities disfigure national sports today for one reason alone: Mr. Cojuangco and the POC board are fomenting them in order to keep their hold on the POC presidency, and to prevent any move to unseat him as POC president by November this year. The NSAs and sports leaders affected all happened to be non-supporters of Mr. Cojuangco.
Many in our sports community and the general public are asking: Do Mr. Cojuangco and the POC board have the power to rule over Philippine sports in this way? Who conferred on them this magisterial power that rivals those of kings and despots?

The answer is NO, they do not have the power.

First, the Olympic Charter, which gives life to the POC, does not confer this power on Mr. Cojuangco and the POC board. On the contrary, the POC resolution and their actions are a travesty of the Charter, which states that “rights and obligations are reciprocal” among and between the different constituent groups comprising the Olympic Movement.

Second, the POC General Assembly – the supreme authority in our national committee -- did not confer this power on the present POC leadership. The controversial resolution, which is the source of all the mischief, was never tabled, discussed or debated by the assembly. It was smuggled in for approval before the unsuspecting assembly of NSA presidents.

Third, these arbitrary acts are in direct violation of Philippine laws governing non-profit organizations and voluntary associations, and impugn the right to autonomy of NSAs under Republic Act 6847 (Section 13). The POC leadership has disregarded them all, outrageously claiming absolute jurisdiction over Philippine sports.

We submit that Mr. Cojuangco and the POC board have arrogated powers that they do not have, and that the fruits of their arbitrary acts must not be allowed to stand.

The situation that has arisen from their actions could not be more detrimental to the welfare and development of Philippine sports. With such irresponsible leadership at the helm and absent a better vision of the future, there is no way for our sports to go but down.

In view therefore of the gravity of the situation, we have agreed to collectively bring to light the state of misgovernance in the POC today and we will seek every remedy available -- in the Olympic Movement, in the courts and on the bar of public opinion – to effect changes in the entire POC system and set aright the wrongs committed.

We want to put in place a system where sports leaders, athletes and stakeholders can truly join together in developing the sporting life of our people, using their talents and energies to compete with other nations, instead of fighting one another.

Signed on the 6th of May 2009
at the Quezon City Sports Club,
E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City:

YEN MAKABENTA
Chairman
Billiards & Snooker Congress of the Philippines

AMELITA M. RAMOS
President
Philippine Badminton Association

MA. CARISSA O. COSCOLLUELA
President
Equestrian Association of the Phils.


EDWIN PIMENTEL
Secretary General
Wushu Federation Philippines

RENATO R. BARTOLOME
President
National Archery Association of Philippines

JANE S. ONG
Director
Save PASA Movement

ABRAHAM TOLENTINO
President
Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines

JETRO F. LOZADA
Treasurer & Secretary-General
Wrestling Association of the Philippines