Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman, has announced that he will officially be running for president of the organization for the upcoming July 28 elections, which is in accordance to the directive of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
During a press conference last Thursday, July 4 at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Parañaque City, Tolentino stated, “I’m officially running for president so that this [POC leadership mess] can be over,” clarifying, “Yes, I will run to end it once and for all.”
Tolentino, who is also the Philippine cycling chief, officially stepped down from his chairman position, revealing, “While I have filed my written resignation, I still hold that capacity until a replacement has been elected.”
For the final schedule of events, Tolentino also revealed, “We’re heeding the July 8 executive board meeting, July 18 general assembly to ratify what was agreed on July 8, and of course the election on July 28.”
The Taytay congressman also addressed the involvement of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman Manny V. Pangilinan possibly filling in his past position of chairman as well, but he clarified, “He’s offering to unite, to be a chairman, Mr. Pangilinan, MVP, so that this (chaos) is over. But, he’s not qualified.” Robert Aventajado, the head of Taekwondo, also offered to fill in for Tolentino “if there’s a unity ticket and if both sides find someone as their chairman,” referring to his sport.
The urgency of the elections arrived after the resignation of first vice president Jose Romasanta, board member Jonne Go, and board member Julian Camacho, Tolentino announcing last June 25, “I reiterate my call to those three officials who verbally resigned and so far have not confirmed in writing. I reiterate my call for them to keep their word. We are Filipinos. Our countrymen are expecting us, sports leaders, to honor our words.”
There is a total of 45 voting members for the end of July election, which includes 42 regular members, two from the athletes’ commission, and IOC Representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco.