Is sports a priority? - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

It’s been nearly a month since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office and to this day, she remains mum on a vision for sports.

But I expect the wait to be over soon. The President is busy setting up the framework for her Administration and sports will surely be a major component in her overall program. Remember her ascension to power wasn’t planned. So let’s be patient.

President Arroyo is intelligent but is no nerd. She likes sports and plays golf. So does her husband, Mike.

The other day, President Arroyo accepted the invitation to award the trophy to the winner of the coming World Boxing Council (WBC) International Superbantamweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Tetsutora Senrima in Antipolo. That means she’ll be at ringside.

There’s a hint of President Arroyo’s vision for sports in the foreword she wrote in former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Philip Juico’s book "Sports and Governance."

Here’s an excerpt:

"As we enter the New Millennium, the physical fitness, recreation and sports sector is enjoying unprecedented popularity and prestige and plays a crucial role in the development of society, peace, promotion of values and education. This phenomenon must be protected."

That’s a clear indication that President Arroyo won’t relegate sports in the background of her national agenda.

In his book, Juico said even when President Arroyo was still a Senator, "she found ways to be of assistance to Philippine sports." And recalled Juico, she delivered a speech before SCOOP two years ago — another indication that the President makes time for sports and sports media practitioners.

* * *

Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty hovers above the heads of the PSC and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Will the heads stay or will they roll? It’s all up to President Arroyo.

GAB Chairman Dominador Cepeda, who has called the shots in the government agency supervising professional sports since the Ramos administration, said he serves at the President’s pleasure – whomever he or she is. There is no fixed term for the Malacañang appointees in the GAB and PSC.

Executive Secretary Renato de Villa recently issued a memo to Presidential appointees, instructing them "to stay put" until a replacement is named. In other words, if no replacement is named, then they remain in office.

Courtesy resignations are expected of Cabinet officials, not of appointees such as the GAB Chairman and Commissioners. "It’s not necessary," said Cepeda, "because we can be taken out at any time." Under Cepeda’s watch, the country’s stock in world boxing has gotten a big boost — that’s a result of his spadework. A low point in his administration was his decision to reclassify the 17-year-old Philippine Basketball League from amateur to professional. But of course, the decision isn’t cast in stone.

* * *

As for the PSC, President Arroyo may be in a bit of a bind because of her pronouncement that none of her relatives will be appointed to government positions. PSC Chairman Butch Tuason, who’s done a good job, is her husband’s first cousin. But wait, there’s a way out. For as long as Tuason doesn’t resign or even turn in a courtesy resignation, he’ll be exempted from President Arroyo’s sweeping decree against relatives. After all, it wasn’t President Arroyo who appointed him — it was her predecessor.

Tuason and the three Commissioners, who were former President Estrada’s appointees, continue to hold court at the PSC. The Commissioners are William Ramirez, Weena Lim, and Richie Garcia. Two Commissioners have resigned. Monico Puentevella left before EDSA 2 while Boy Celles quit after.

What’s disconcerting is the news that over 30 hopefuls are lobbying to take control of the GAB and PSC — like vultures circling dying bodies. It’s appalling to note that some have the audacity to issue press releases extolling their alleged virtues. I have the gut feeling that if an aspirant wants a post in the GAB or PSC that badly, he’s up to no good. So beware of hopefuls who are campaigning to be appointed.

In case President Arroyo decides to appoint new heads at the GAB and PSC, may I respectfully suggest 10 requirements or qualifications to consider. I’ll list them down in tomorrow’s column.