IOC gives Peping, officers blessings

The International Olympic Committee has given its blessings to Jose “Peping” Cojuangco who recently earned a fresh, four-year mandate as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, the other night wrote the POC through e-mail to congratulate Cojuangco and the rest of the officers who were elected last Nov. 28.

Pere Miro, director of the IOC’s department of relations with the NOCs (National Olympic Committees), also extended his greetings to Cojuangco who became POC president in 2004.

Miro also congratulated the other officers, on behalf of the IOC, and ended by saying that “their office (IOC) remains at POC’s disposal for any assistance.”

Miro has been in constant touch with POC officers since last year, “assisting the POC to finally come up with our unanimously approved and IOC compliant constitution.”

Cojuangco, of equestrian, defeated Art Macapagal of shooting in a very close race for the presidency. Cojuangco won, 21-19.

Also elected to four-year terms were weightlifting’s Monico Puentevella as chairman, boxing’s Manny Lopez as first vice president, sepak takraw’s Mario Tanchangco as second vice president, wushu’s Julian Camacho as treasurer, and bodybuilding’s Corrina Mojica as auditor.

Elected as board members were swimming’s Mark Joseph, archery’s Leonora Brawner, soft tennis’ Jeff Antonio Tamayo, and bowling’s Dave Carter.

Steve Hontiveros, also of bowling, was re-appointed by Cojuangco as his secretary-general.