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.