POC in search of Team Phl chief

Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee is shopping around for chef-de-mission for the Philippine delegation to the 26th Southeast Asian Games in November.

Jose Cojuangco, POC president, said yesterday they will have to find a replacement for Philippine Sports Commission’s Chito Loyzaga.

The former basketball star was earlier designated chef-de-mission but had to beg off following his recent appointment as PSC executive director.

Philippine canoe kayak chief Sim Chi Tat was named Loyzaga’s co-chef-de-mission but is currently under some medical condition.

Cojuangco said the POC board has yet to find a replacement, and refused to name any candidate he has in mind.

A few names that have cropped up, however, are that of Samahang Basketbol Association director Dr. Ernest Adalem, Philippine Aquatic Sports Association chief Mark Joseph and Philippine weightlifting president Monico Puentevella.

“We already talked with the PSC regarding this,” said Cojuangco.

“The task of the chef-de-mission is so broad and we need someone who can perform full-time so our preparations for the SEA Games will go on smoothly,” he said.

Mario Tanchangco of sepak takraw served as chef-de-mission to the 2009 SEA Games in Laos while POC’s Jose Romasanta carried the role to the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.