Angping quits, taps Lhuillier for post

Harry Angping yesterday stepped down as president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines and at the same time nominated sportsman Jean Henry Lhuillier of Cebu as his possible successor.

Angping’s decision to yield the post he has held since 2002 came before the scheduled Asaphil elections, which will coincide with the National Open in Zamboanga City later this month.

Angping recently came under fire from a group of softball officials who wanted a change in leadership.

The group led by softball great Filomeno " Boy" Codiñera was scheduled to hold its own elections last night.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco, however, was reportedly trying to convince the group to call off the said election.

Mario Raymundo, who served as Asaphil president in the ‘90s, has reportedly gained the full support of Codiñera’s group, which is all set to give him back his old post.

Raymundo is the former mayor of Pasig City.

"But if they go on with this election, it will be unofficial. I call on them to join the elections later this month. All I want now is a smooth turnover and a smooth transition of power," said Angping.

"If they really want me out, here I am stepping down.

I’m hoping for an amicable end to this. Gusto ko lang ng malinis na transition," added Angping, a former Manila congressman.

Lhuillier, according to Angping, is the perfect choice.

"He loves softball so much and he has the resources to help run the association. Even Boy Codiñera once mentioned him as a good choice for president so that makes him a common candidate," said Anping.

The former congressman said he’s been trying to convince Lhuillier to consider his offer for quite some time now. It was only Wednesday evening that the latter said yes.

" I’m sure Mr. Lhuillier will make a good president," said Angping of the young, energetic Cebuano businessman married to the famous athlete Bea Lucero.

Angping said he doesn’t have any regrets serving the softball association, and said he was so thrilled when the Philippine men’s and women’s teams won the gold medals in last year’s SEA Games.

"I’ve done my best. It’s a worth experience leading the association and surviving all these attempts to bring me down. But I won’t get out of the sports circle. I hope to continue to serve the POC," he said.