POC hits new BAP moves, bats for expulsion

The Philippine Olympic Committee executive board, citing infringement of the POC’s Constitution and By-laws, yesterday recommended to the General Assembly the expulsion of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) in a special meeting tentatively set July 6.

"The BAP had been disrespectful of the POC suspension and to a certain extent arrogant in claiming that for as long as they are recognized by their international federation, they will continue to decide on the formation of our national teams in international tournaments," said POC chair Robert Aventajado of taekwondo in a meeting in Makati City.

Aventajado, currently the officer-in-charge of the POC with president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco still in the United States, said the BAP showed utter disregard of the General Assembly’s decision suspending it last May 25 by its series of public pronouncements and actions recently.

In fact, the BAP held its own election, making Joey Lina as its president and Lito Alvarez of Air21, former POC president Cristy Ramos and Wilson Young of Tanduay as among its new officers while the BAP is under suspension.

In fact, the BAP announced recently that it is forming its own national team set to participate in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship starting Aug. 2 in Singapore.

"It is indeed distasteful to make our public believe that this domestic problem requires the intervention of the international federation," Aventajado added.

Under Section 8 of the POC constitution and by-laws, the expulsion of a national sports association "must be approved by the General Assembly by a three fourths vote of the entire voting membership."

The POC is composed of 39 voting members, which means an NSA can be expelled by 30 votes.

While the POC is preparing for the BAP expulsion, the "caretaker" group, now called the Philippine Basketball Federation, Inc., is planning to hold its own election — both on the regional and national level — on June 23.

Aventajado said there will be 15 board of trustees with the six already reserved for the Philippine Basketball Association, Philippine Basketball League, University Athletic Association of the Philippines, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Basketball Coaches of the Philippines and Nic Jorge’s Milo BEST.