Mikee pledges P5 million to fund SEAG riders

MANILA, Philippines - Sports patron Mikee Romero yesterday pledged P5 million to fund the RP cycling team competing in this year’s Southeast Asian Games in Laos but remained undecided whether or not to accept the presidency of the cycling group sanctioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“It’s really a great honor to be offered this opportunity,” Romero told some 30 cyclists, coaches and officials in a press briefing at the Kamayan Edsa.

“But I have to ask my family first because I know I will be put into a difficult situation. I pity you because I know you’re like orphans.

“I’m here not as your chairman or president, only as godfather. That I’m willingly accepting, to be Philippine cycling godfather,” he said.

Nine individuals headed by secretary general Armando Bautista signed a manifesto declaring loyalty and support to Romero.

Go Teng Kok, who heads athletics and karatedo, was also present to help convince Romero to accept the presidency of cycling, one of the NSAs (national sports associations) with leadership disputes.

Another group, headed by Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is claiming legitimacy.

Romero, however, remained firm he will make his decision at the right time.

“Maybe I will not sleep tonight to think about it, maybe I’ll decide soon, maybe on Friday,” said Romero.

Romero was actually elected in absentia as president of cycling last May 19 in polls attended by Philippine Olympic Committee representative Jeff Tamayo of soft tennis.

It was the same election initiated by former cyclist Rolando Hiso, who was eased out as president and instead turned chairman.

Curiously, Hiso’s name was affixed in the manifesto but did not bear his signature.

Romero has also dangled P200,000 for the cyclist who could win a gold medal in Laos, P100,000 for a silver and P50,000 for a bronze medal.

The Harbour Centre and Oracle Residences PBL franchise owner thinks cycling has a strong chance of capturing the country’s first Olympic gold.

“I think that we can win our first Olympic gold medal in cycling. This I will wholeheartedly support, if we can’t achieve it four years from now, maybe we could do it in eight years,” he said.

Romero bared his plans of helping forge unity among the warring factions in the association.

“I hope we can help unify cycling. We’re not enemies, our enemies are the other countries,” said Romero. – Joey Villar