Forgive and forget

It was veteran sportswriter Eddie Alinea who sounded the alarm some weeks back about Tito Perez de Tagle, former sports editor of the now-defunct Philippine Herald and the ‘70s Sports World tabloid.

“Our colleague met an accident last May 3 when he lost his balance and fell on the pavement in front of his house at Pacita 2 in San Pedro, Laguna,” said Eddie. “Since the incident, Tito has been bedridden and couldn’t even stand up to answer the call of nature, take a bath or eat his meal. He broke both of his legs as a result of the accident.”

Eddie went to visit Tito at his home and saw for himself the condition he was in.

“A stepson with a former late wife was attending to him by going to his place twice or thrice a week to prepare his food and clean him up,” continued Eddie. “He couldn’t be taken to a hospital for lack of money and is in dire need of assistance. PSC chairman Harry Angping and his board of commissioners have already extended assistance.”

Another sportswriter Lito Cinco took up the cudgels for Tito and with other scribes Beth Celis, Tessa Jazmines and Ignacio Dee, launched a campaign to raise funds.

“I visited Tito in his house in San Pedro to bring food and other items and saw how bad it was,” said Lito. “He’s in real bad shape and he lives with an unemployed son.”

POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. responded to the call and with the assistance of Vice President-elect Jojo Binay, arranged to confine Tito at the Ospital Ng Makati. Tito was confined and treated by doctors. His total bill was only P200, thanks to those who endorsed his hospitalization.

POC deputy secretary-general Mark Joseph said: “We were able to get him into the hospital for care since 45 days before, he was without medical assistance except for a manghihilot. He was immoblized from his hip bone fracture. He may still be brought to the Philippine General Hospital if surgery is required that can’t be done in Makati. The POC thanks those who replied immediately to our call for assistance, specifically the NSAs in boxing, wrestling, archery, Mr. Frank Elizalde of the IOC and others.”

Tito is now back at home recovering. Any assistance would be appreciated and may be coursed through Lito at +639209241981.

Meanwhile, former Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general Graham Lim, released from prison last Monday, said he never gave up faith in becoming a free man again after over six months of incarceration on a deportation charge for allegedly falsifying citizenship papers.

“I heard that my former deputy secretary-general (Tito) is sickly and needs help,” said Lim. “Even some media friends called me if I could be of help. I told them that my predicament makes me unable to help.

“I did help Tito so much financially for his personal well-being before. Now, I don’t have much to offer. I just wish him well and let God do the rest.

“I remember helping Tito’s daughter in the US for her kidney problem. I borrowed money from the bank to give Tito $5,000 and I am still paying the bank with interest. Sometimes, life is so unjust and unfair and sometimes, life never promises us the opportunity to live happily but the opportunity to survive our darkest moments. That is faith and my only recourse is to always pray to God for Divine Intervention every night before I sleep and that makes me feel secure.

“While I was in prison, I gained strength from my friends and family. I take this opportunity to thank Bishop Teddy Bacani for wishing me well during Mass at Quiapo Church and every Sunday, I continue to receive a text blessing from Bishop Reuben Abante, my dear friend and running priest Fr. Robert Reyes who never fails to call me to pray for my safety and support and especially my family, close associates and classmates who offer utmost dedication praying for my release.”

Lim was released on bail under the custody of former National Press Club (NPC) head Benny Antiporda. A P100,000 bond was posted. A condition for his release was he will not be involved in sports, according to Lim’s friend Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok. Bureau of Immigration commissioner Marcelino Libanan signed the release papers.

Tito and Graham Lim used to be on the same side working together at the BAP, a much-maligned and discredited organization. But whatever they’ve done in life or to each other, they’re God’s children. They’re both suffering. They’re both reaching out for help. Perhaps, it’s time for all good Christians to forgive and forget.

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It’s all systems go for the “Run Dasmariñas/Forbes Run” on July 18. Registration for the three, five and 10-kilometer runs starts on July 3.

The Dasmariñas Village Association and the Forbes Park Association are joining hands to make the event possible. Registration fee is P350 per person. Each runner receives a singlet and a race pack outlining details of the first-ever fun run organized by the adjacent villages in Makati.

“We’re happy to stage a race that suits the standards of big races and all that within the confines of a private venue,” said Dasmariñas governor Tad Abello.