NSA heads not endorsing rally

PSC chairman Butch Tuason yesterday said he hoped the planned rally by athletes and coaches today would be "peaceful enough" not to endanger anybody entering the premises of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Most of the national sports association (NSA) heads, however, said that they are not endorsing the rally.

The declaration of non-support from the NSAs came after the bulk of the Philippine Amateur Athletes Federation Inc. (PAAFI), headed by Nelia Sy Ycasas, had announced they are not joining the protest action.

The PAAFI is instead keeping its focus on the launching of its Sports Iskolar ng Bayan program where it is tying up with schools like the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and computer schools for the education of its members.

The Athletes and Coaches Association of the Philippines, Inc. (ACAP), is reportedly organizing today’s rally.

Tuason reiterated his belief that the ills of Philippines sports can be solved through continuous dialogue and not protest rallies.

"I hope that the right issues and sentiments will be delivered to the people. There is always that freedom of expression we treasure in this country but it really depends on what the intentions are," he said.

Meanwhile, Basketball Association of the Philippines president Quinteliano "Tiny" Literal yesterday called on the national women’s team to stay away from the rally seeking a leadership change in the RP sports hierarchy. — With report from Joey Villar