MANILA, Philippines — Iginiit nina Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head Al Panlilio at surfing federation chief Dr. Jose Raul Canlas na mananatili ang suporta ng mga ito kay Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
Inihayag ng dalawa na bahagi sila ng tiket ni Tolentino para sa nalalapit na POC elections.
Tatakbo si Panlilio bilang first vice president habang treasurer naman si Canlas kasama ang grupo ni Tolentino.
“I’m committed only to Philippine sports, to the Filipino athletes and to the leadership of Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who did a good job, and we are hoping to make it better or sustainable in the upcoming years,” ani Panlilio.
Ito rin ang pananaw ni Canlas na siyang lider ng United Philippine Surfing Association.
“I am for Philippines sports and for the Filipino athletes. Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has proven himself as an effective leader,” ani Canlas.
Target ni Tolentino na muling makakuha ng four-year term bilang POC president sa eleksiyon na idaraos sa Nobyembre 29 sa East Ocean Seafood Restaurant.
Kasama ni Tolentino sa grupo sina Panlilio, second vice president Richard Gomez, Canlas, Donaldo “Don” Caringal bilang auditor, at executive board members Alvin Aguilar ng wrestling, Alexander “Ali” Sulit ng judo, Ferdinand “Ferdie” Agustin ng jiu-jitsu, Leonora Escollante ng canoe-kayak at Leah Jalandoni Gonzales ng fencing.
Makakalaban ni Tolentino si baseball association president Chito Loyzaga.
Nauna nang inilabas ni Loyzaga na kasama nito sina Panlilio at Canlas sa grupo.
Subalit nilinaw nina Panlilio at Canlas na tinanggihan nito pareho ang offer ni Loyzaga na maging bahagi ng kanilang tiket.
“I’m so surprised to see my name on their list because when he [Loyzaga] called me, he just told me that they would only leave the first vice president blank and same thing with Doc Canlas’s treasurer position,” ani Panlilio.