POC rules Asaphil polls illegal

The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday ordered the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) to hold another election after it declared the polls conducted by the Mario Raymundo faction as illegal.

This was bared by POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros saying that the decision, which was deliberated upon by a committee headed by counsel Ding Tanjuatco, was based on the constitution and by-laws of Asaphil.

"His election as president of Asaphil was declared null and void by the POC executive committee," said Hontiveros referring to the former Pasig Mayor who was a former president of association.

Asaphil president Harry Angping said the POC decision was a vindication of sort for the group, which is expected to hold its election next month.

"We’re expecting that, it’s a vindication for us" said the former Manila congressman.

Angping said the board of directors will meet on June 13 to decide the date of the election . "I will not run for re-election, I will nominate Jean Henry Lhuillier as president," said Angping referring to the youthful owner of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Meantime, Asaphil’s National Men’s and Women’s Softball Championships unfold today at the Rosario grounds with 26 teams seeing action.