POC sets deadline for candidates

File your candidacy before it’s too late.

This was the friendly reminder athletics chief Go Teng Kok issued yesterday to all those seeking positions in the Philippine Olympic Committee when it holds its elections on Nov. 26.

Go, who ran for POC president against incumbent Celso Dayrit in 2000, said under the POC Constitution, the deadline for filing of candidacy is exactly one year before the elections.

"In this case, it’s 5 p.m. on Tuesday," said Go, adding that NSA (national sports association) presidents seeking election should file their candidacy before POC secretary-general Romeo Ribano.

"But those who will run should first be nominated by their respective NSAs. Then the secretary-generals will have to file it before Ribano," said Go.

Equestrian’s Jose "Peping" Cojuangco is expected to run for president unopposed after Dayrit suddenly pulled out of the race a couple of days ago.

But Cojuangco, according to Go, must still file his candidacy or he will not be allowed to run even if his election is to be by acclamation.

"We just want to avoid any technicality. Mahirap na baka biglang nag-file din ng candidacy si Dayrit. And if Mr. Cojuangco did not, then automatic yan, si Dayrit ulit ang president. Baka malalim na strategy lang itong pag back-out niya," Go added.

In Cojuangco’s ticket are taekwondo’s Robert Aventajado as chairman, weightlifting’s Monico Puentevella as first vice president, judo’s Rey Jaylo as second VP, wushu’s Julian Camacho as treasurer and sepak takraw’s Mario Tanchangco as auditor.

Running as board members are badminton’s Gen. Eduardo Aglipay, table tennis’ Vic Valbuena, softball’s Harry Angping and pencak silat’s Jamalul Kiram. The position of secretary-general is appointive.

Go stressed he is not seeking any position and would rather serve as member of the SEA Games advisory committee that will assist the POC in dealing with the country’s hosting of the event next year.

Others expected to work in the committee are boxing’s Manny Lopez, tennis’ Col. Buddy Andrada, bowling’s Steve Hontiveros and golf’s Benny Gopez.