Art shoots back

Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) president and two-time Olympian Art Macapagal sent in a letter a few days ago commenting on the issues raised by several shooters in a petition calling for his resignation.

In the wake of the uproar, Macapagal submitted his resignation to the PNSA Board of Directors last week. But in a subsequent meeting presided by chairman Ildefonso Tronqued, the Board voted to reject the resignation.

In his letter, Macapagal said the issues or concerns are the attention given to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shooters ("which tends to alienate civilian shooters"), the allowances of national pool shooters, the proactive role of the PNSA in developing champions, the overdependence on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and government and the schedule of PNSA elections.

Here is Macapagal’s response:

"First, the AFP has always been a partner of the shooting sport. Ms. (Therese) Cantada shoots in the ranges of the Philippine Marines. Civilian shooters should not begrudge the AFP (for wanting) to adopt a more intensive and systematic training program for their top marksmen to allow them the opportunity to win honors for the country.

"It is the duty of the PNSA to encourage and support them as well as others equally interested. Actually, AFP shooters have in the past formed part of the national team. Many of them, like Martin Gison, Chito Feliciano, Ludovico Espinosa, Edgar Bond, Francisco Gudani, Bartolome Teyab and others won medals for the country.

"In supporting the AFP program, which we hope will also expand to the police, we do not discriminate against and alienate the civilian shooters. Except for the coaching staff, the cost for the AFP program is entirely theirs. Ms. Cantada knows that our coaching staff, composed of accomplished former shooters, is also available to civilian shooters. We are looking for potential shooting champions who will bring honors to the country, regardless of whether they are from the AFP, the police or civilian shooters.

"Second, allowances from the PSC are public funds. They are not to be easily given away. They must be earned. Shooters who achieve the performance standards will be immediately recommended for PSC support. While we have empathy for our shooters, we also have a responsibility. Ms. Cantada cited the case of Julius Valdez. He was a Marine, a fine example of a solider who gave honors to the country in international competitions. He is a be-medalled shooter and I admire and respect him for his achievements. But if you can no longer keep up, you have to accept reality and give way and recognize that someone else is better now. That is why athletes continue to strive and train because someone else also wants to win."

"Third, Ms. Cantada herself is a good example of the policy of developing shooters with potential to become champions. She was part of the national pool for many years and sent abroad to compete many times, including the last Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi where she again failed to win a medal. As a result, she is now out of the national pool but may rejoin it provided she proves that she deserves another chance by achieving the performance standards.

"I know Ms. Cantada is determined to accomplish this and I have not changed my mind about her potential to become a champion and will be most elated when she accomplishes this.

"The case of shooter Art Cabinian that Ms. Cantada cited is different. It certainly does not involved denial of support to a shooter with champion potential. I must dispute Ms. Cantada’s assertion that Mr. Cabinian was more qualified to go to Hanoi than the other shooters. It is not true and unfair to the other shooters. Tac Padilla, Carol Gonzales, Bobby Gonzales, and Gilbert Escobar, who all shoot the same events as Mr. Cabinian, scored better than him in the eliminations and broke the criteria. Mr. Cabinian did not. I hasten to add, however, that I will be very happy if Mr. Cabinian proves me wrong and eventually becomes a medalist, too.

"Fourth, we need the support and assistance of the PSC and government. It will be unrealistic and arrogant to say that we will not suffer if we don’t get them. We appreciate all the assistance of the PSC and government to the shooting sport and we fully understand when sometimes they are unable to satisfy our needs. Government attends to many needs and we accept that other needs have higher priority than sports. During these occasions, we are resourceful enough, with the help of friends of the sport and of some of the shooters, to ensure that shooters are able to enjoy the sport. It is therefore incorrect to say that we are completely dependent on PSC and government.

"Finally, the PNSA elections will happen as provided by the By-Laws. This will be during the nationals scheduled in November this year."