FEI calls for election to end EAP standoff

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation Equestre Internationale, the world governing body in equestrian, has concluded that the bitter leadership issue at the Philippine Equestrian Association remains unsettled, and the contending parties yesterday agreed to soon hold another election.

The problem now, however, is which group, the one headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco or the other led by Party List Representative Carissa Coscolluela, should call for and set the terms and conditions of the elections.

The FEI, under Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, last May said it already recognizes Coscolluela as the new EAP president after the former member of the RP equestrian team won an election that was not attended by Cojuangco, the EAP president for almost eight years.

But Cojuangco contested its legality and explained his side before the FEI, which came out with a letter the other day, saying, “the FEI will not be able to recognize a president and a board of trustees until new elections are held, the result of which both parties will adhere to.”

Immediately, Coscolluela set the date for the new elections on Aug. 13, but Cojuangco said as a result of the FEI decision holding back on its recognition of either group, then it should be him calling for the elections.

“Up to now, the POC recognizes me as the (EAP) president. So I should take the lead,” said Cojuangco, who, nonetheless, welcomed the idea as probably the final step that could put the leadership dispute in the association to rest.

“The FEI is not dictating on us here. It’s just that these people have been looking for a solution, and if to them an election is the only solution then we must follow it,” said Cojuangco, who did not say when he would want the elections be held.

“Soon,” added the POC chief, who said that what’s certain following the FEI letter, dated July 29, 2009, from Lausanne, shows that Coscolluela is no longer the one being recognized by the international federation, a pre-requisite to being a POC member.

The Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Harry Angping has also thrown its support on Coscolluela after her election last April, but may have to put everything on hold following the FEI’s latest stand.

Coscolluela also welcomed the development as the final solution to the problem.

“I wholeheartedly welcome this opportunity to finally settle the dispute so that we can once and for all have closure on this matter. I look forward to an election and will abide by its outcome for as long as it is conducted fairly,” she said.

“To this end I have issued notices of meeting and election to all the members of the EAP. The election will be conducted on Aug. 13,” added the congresswoman who earlier offered Cojuangco the post of honorary chairman of the group.

“Mr. Cojuangco claims that the FEI now recognizes him as the president of the EAP. This is not true, as evidenced by the fact that the letter does not address him as that. The FEI clearly states that they do not recognize anyone and will not do so, until we elect new officers,” she added.

When she learned that Cojuangco wants to take the lead in the next elections, particularly concerning the list of members who can vote, Coscolluela raised her arms.

“Why? If we use the most recently elected officers, it’s our side that would call for the election. If we use the previous set of officers, I was the corporate secretary so I would be calling the election. Either way, it would be me calling the election,” she said.

Coscolluela said the POC can neither step into the picture because the International Olympic Committee “has clearly said the POC cannot participate in the internal affairs of any NSA.”