Behind closed doors

Only retired weightlifter Jaime Sebastian, ex-Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Cristy Ramos, and Fr. Robert Reyes were initially allowed to confer with Deputy Executive Secretary Waldo Flores at Malacañang last Monday. Then, former POC President Col. Julian Malonso and Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) Presidential claimant Quintilliano (Tiny) Literal were invited to join.

The group was previously assured an audience with President Arroyo but the Chief Executive had an emergency to attend to.

The meeting was supposed to be the highlight of a "protest" rally that started on Mendiola Bridge that morning. About 100 rallyists gathered to denounce officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). Conspicuous at the rally were, aside from the five who met Flores, former PSC Commissioner Tisha Abundo, former PSC Chairman Perry Mequi, BAP Secretary-General claimant Graham Lim, former national basketball team manager Dr. Fernando Carrascoso, and Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) star Rommel Adducul.

It was Lim’s idea to involve Fr. Reyes, the University of the Philippines’ Jesuit-educated activist chaplain. Lim, however, didn’t know how to contact Fr. Reyes. So Malonso, one of the rally convenors, volunteered. Malonso and Fr. Reyes’ father Carlos both used to teach at Letran.

Malonso subsequently met Fr. Reyes and briefed him on the sad state of affairs in Philippine sports. The "running priest" then agreed to get involved, if only to escalate his war against so-called "trapos." Fr. Reyes’ U.P. office became a meeting place for the rally organizers.

"Fr. Reyes is quite sharp," said Malonso. "He didn’t know about basketball before but now, he talks about it like a veteran. He has the ability to grasp things quickly. I told him he deserves an honoris causa degree in physical education."

Malonso, however, agreed that Fr. Reyes has only one side of the coin. To get a total perspective, he should hear the side of the PSC and POC, too — if he plans to get more involved in cleaning up the sports mess.

Fr. Reyes represented the cause-oriented group GOMBURZA at the rally. There were disturbing reports that politicians and leftists would join but nothing came of it.

In the meeting with Fr. Reyes spoke first. then Cristy narrated how she was unceremoniously ousted as POC President by a group led by Celso Dayrit. Sebastian was next to talk and pressed for PSC Chairman Carlos Tuason’s immediate ouster. Literal then related how he was once Lito Puyat’s loyal ally and how Puyat has run the BAP to the ground. Finally, Malonso recited the history of the events leading to the turmoil in Philippine sports.

There was some confusion as to what the convenors wanted to convey President Arroyo. Malonso batted for the PSC’s abolition. Cristy — who has applied for an appointment to the PSC — also called for its abolition but on a gradual basis — perhaps, after she serves a term?

Flores got an earful. Listening to the rallyists gripe, gossip and hint of their personal ambitions must have been a wretching experience for him. Maybe, now it’s clear in Flores mind why sports is in a shambles.

Flores promised to brief the President on what the rallyists said. You can just imagine what he’ll report — it certainly won’t be about the food that the Palace served for lunch.

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) President Go Teng Kok was also involved in separate secret meetings last week. He met Dayrit in a private conference arranged by Florencio Campomanes and Philippine Long Distance Tel. Co. head Manny Pangilinan.

"I never asked Dayrit to recognize the BAP — kung sinabi niya na I asked him for BAP recognition, he’s a liar," said Go. "I didn’t really want to waste my time but I could not say no to Mr. Campomanes. Anyway, I told Dayrit things about sports he didn’t know, about what I think are his mistakes, at ang sama ng loob ko sa kanya. Ang hirap kay Dayrit, he won’t speak to athletes because according to him, he won’t go down to their level. There are some NSAs (National Sports Associations) he should reform but ayaw niya. No way na kaming maayos. To me, Dayrit is history."

Got me Pangilinan in Makati. It was supposed to be a one-on-one meeting — that’s why Pangilinan’s staff rejected Go’s request to bring along former PSC Chairman Philip Juico.

"I told Mr. Pangilinan I came to his office not because I am afraid of him or because I want his money," said Go. "I came because after eight months of fighting in the BAP, I want to avoid more embarrassment for our country. I came to talk about a solution."

Go said he will convince Literal to accept Pangilinan as BAP Officer In Charge if only to lift the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) suspension on the BAP and pave the way for the country’s participation at the Southeast Asian Games hoops tournament in September. The condition, however, is the BAP will hold elections after the Games.

"I trust Mr. Pangilinan," said Go. "He is so kind and so good. He really wants to help. Walang personal interest. He only wants to do what is best for our country."

I wonder if after all these "private meetings" something positive will come out to put Philippine sports back on track.