Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is hailed the new president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) after defeating Philip Ella Juico during the special elections last Sunday, July 28 at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.
The head of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines bested out his opponent, garnering 24 votes over Juico’s 20 votes. Of the 46 voting members, 44 participated in the special elections.
Tolentino now looks ahead as he will be assuming the position until November 2020 in replacement of recently-resigned Ricky Vargas’ remaining term. As the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is working with the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the upcoming biennial meet in November, Vargas stated his “First order of business is to get rid of Bachmann and Charlie Ho,” adding, “Technically that’s not a joke.”
He continued, “I will just continue the reform that past president Ricky Vargas was making.”
Tolentino thanked his fellow POC members “for their support,” saying, “Hopefully, this POC squabble finishes as well.”
In Tolentino’s words, “I think as the saying goes: ‘Set aside the differences and move forward, let’s all be united because we’re preparing to focus on the SEA Games and next year – Para Games and Olympics,” concluding, “It’s time to work. We are here.”
On the other hand, Juico continued to stay positive amidst his loss and vowed his commitment to the POC nonetheless, telling the media, “The voting was very transparent, very orderly. It’s really like that. The essence of democracy is consent of the governed.” He added, “Congratulations, and if we can be of any help, we’re just a text or a call away. If we can be of any value to you, we’re here. At least, I am. I am.”
Juico then said that he can now go back to focusing on track and field, referring to his business with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association. He added that he also hopes “to be a major contributor to our gold medal output.”
On the same day, Philippine Handball Federation, Inc. head Steven Hontiveros was also elected chairman of the POC, defeating Taekwondo head Robert Aventajado by eight votes. Patrick Gregorio remains the secretary-general of the committee, while Philippine Fencing Association President Richard Gomez becomes deputy.
The next regular Olympic cycle elections will be happening on the last Friday of November next year.