Loyzaga replacement known soon

MANILA, Philippines - The replacement for Chito Loyzaga, who recently resigned as commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission, may be known in the next few days.

“Maybe this week. I hope soon,” said PSC chairman Richie Garcia yesterday.

Garcia did not mention anything as far as the replacement is concerned, saying it’s all up to President Aquino to make the choice.

“We’re still waiting,” he said.

A reliable source, however, said three names have been mentioned as candidates for the post vacated by Loyzaga, the former basketball star.

“I cannot tell you anything except the names being mentioned as Cabuchan, Sevilla and Clavecilla,” said the PSC insider.

Of the three names, only that of Clavecilla rings a bell. It may or may not be Iggy Clavecilla, a champion golfer, and teammate of the PSC chairman in the Luisita golf squad.

Another source said also being pushed as Loyzaga’s replacement is retired police general Lucas Managuelod, head of the Muaythai Association of the Philippines. He is also a lawyer.

Garcia reportedly sat down with Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco last Thursday, probably to discuss the matter.

“If asked by Malacañang for a recommendation, Mr. Cojuangco will give it,” said PSC commissioner Salvador Andrada yesterday.

Loyzaga stepped down after serving the PSC for two years so he can attend to his ailing father, 82-year-old basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga, who is in Australia.

Garcia said the sooner the President names the replacement the better.

“It will be up to the President to appoint whoever he thinks will be good for the PSC. We need a full board right away. We have a lot of things to do this year and we need all the help we can get,” he said.

Aside from Andrada, the two other PSC commissioners are Jolly Gomez and Akiko Thomson.