POC tribunal decides on Vargas disqualification today

MANILA, Philippines – The election body of the Philippine Olympic Committee convenes today to tackle the disqualification case of boxing chief Ricky Vargas and possibly give a verdict on his protest.

The three-man POC Comelec, composed of Frank Elizalde, Bro. Bernie Oca and Rep. Conrado Estrella, meets again one week after declaring Vargas ineligible to run for the POC presidency to discuss the merits of his appeal for a reversal.

Vargas, according to his counsel Chito Salud, is attending the meeting together with his lawyers, to argue his case.

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) chief was barred from challenging incumbent Peping Cojuangco for the POC presidency for failure to meet the provision on “active membership” for the last two years.

But Vargas’ camp contended that “active membership is more than attendance” and “physical presence at the general assembly does not equate to active participation” and cited the Abap’s activities and participation in local and international tournaments and track record.

His bet for chairman, Rep. Bambol Tolentino of cycling, was disqualified for the same reason and has also filed an appeal.

Should the POC Comelec eventually uphold its previous decision, Vargas has the option of elevating the case to the 43-man General Assembly or the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Switzerland.

The Vargas camp though will be pressed for time as the POC polls are set Nov. 25. The POC likewise requires a 15-day notice before convening a special meeting.

A legal relief, such as TRO, could also be an option.

Vargas has found an ally in Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta, who described the “active membership” provision as too vague.

“The provisions are vague. There’s no specific rule saying if you are absent seven times in the general assembly then you can’t run for POC president or chairman. It’s become a subjective interpretation then,” said Araneta.

“Let’s give Mr. Vargas a chance to run,” he added.