Eight slots up for grabs in POC elections

MANILA, Philippines — The battle to secure the majority of 59 voters in the POC elections at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant, Parañaque, on Nov. 29 has narrowed to eight slots as incumbent First Vice President Al Panlilio and Dr. Jose Raul Canlas are running unopposed.

Panlilio and Canlas are in reelectionist POC president Mayor Bambol Tolentino’s ticket. Panlilio is seeking another term as first vice president while Canlas is running for treasurer. They were both invited to join Chito Loyzaga’s ticket but declined, having committed to Tolentino. Loyzaga, currently the auditor, is opposing Tolentino as president.

Loyzaga, representing baseball, is joined in his ticket by Bob Bachmann of squash for second vice president, Rodrigo Roque of weightlifting for auditor and for five executive board member seats, Rommel Miranda of kurash, Charlie Ho of netball, Peter Miguel of archery, Derek Ramsay of gymnastics and Steven Virata of equestrian.

Tolentino, representing cycling, is joined in his ticket by Panlilio of basketball, Rep. Richard Gomez of modern pentathlon as second vice president, Canlas of surfing, Don Caringal of volleyball as auditor and for five executive board member seats, Ali Sulit of judo, Ferdie Agustin of jiu-jitsu, Len Escolante of canoe-kayak, Alvin Aguilar of wrestling and Leah Jalandoni of fencing.

The voters are broken down into 56 regular POC members, IOC member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Olympic athletes EJ Obiena (for men) and Nesthy Petecio (for women). Seven associate and 12 recognized members are not eligible to vote.

Tolentino’s ticket is called the “Working Team” whose mission is “Faster, Stronger, Higher – Together.” Its pitch is performance based on the country’s record achievements in the last two Olympics under Tolentino’s term. Loyzaga’s campaign slogan is “Together for Excellence: A Peaceful, Inclusive and Transparent POC For All.”

Panlilio confirmed he’s not in Loyzaga’s lineup. “We spoke to Chito but after much thought, he decided to still run,” said Panlilio. “We have a common objective – for the athletes – but I told him I would support Mayor Bambol.”