POC Chief Ricky Vargas resigns from position

After 16 months in office, Vargas submitted his desire to quit “effective immediately.” (File Photo: POC – Philippine Olympic Committee – Olympic.PH/Facebook)

After 16 months in office and five months following the firing of his predecessor Peping Cojuangco for conducting board meetings behind his back, Vargas submitted his desire to quit “effective immediately” amidst rumors of his involvement in various controversies surrounding the upcoming Southeast Asian Games hosted by the country, specifically discussions involving the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation, Inc., where he serves as one of the eight original incorporators. He explained, “After much introspection, I have determined that there would be other sports leaders who have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively.”

As decisions are pending, POC’s former vice president, Joey Romasanta, will be taking over Vargas’ office. In the letter by Vargas, he requested POC secretary-general Patrick Gregorio “to assist the incoming president in the smooth transition of leadership, until the new president shall have appointed his own secretary-general.”

To conclude his letter to the POC, Vargas “asks for understanding of all concerned, most especially the athletes and National government agencies who have supported [his] initiatives in the organization.” He shared, “Rest assured, I will continue to support Philippine sports in my private capacity.”

Head of the Archery Association Clint Aranas, who also shared that he is the new POC spokesman, responded to the abrupt announcement to the media, saying, “We had a good meeting but at the end of the day, our president decided to tender his irrevocable resignation and we respected that.”

To sort duties out, the POC is set to hold an extraordinary general assembly at the Government Service Insurance System gymnasium in Pasay on Tuesday, June 25.