Lobbying for PSC post gives Peping headache

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco is being flooded with numerous calls from people either applying or recommending someone for the vacant position in the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Sumasakit na ang ulo ko (It’s giving me a headache),” said Cojuangco before he left for Russia the other day to attend a meeting among members of the Association of National Olympic Committees and their respecting sports ministers.

It’s not surprising that these people are reaching out to the POC chief even if the power to appoint members of the PSC board, in this case a replacement for commissioner Chito Loyzaga, lies solely on President Aquino.

Cojuangco is the uncle of the President, and if asked for a recommendation, he would.

So many names have already cropped up as candidates for the vacant post, including that of retired Gen. Lucas Managuelod, current president of the Muaythai Association of the Philippines and Jeff Tamayo, chief of the Philippine Soft Tennis Association.

The names of former PSC commissioners Cynthia Carrion and Ely Bontigao are also in the mix, as well as senior golfer Iggy Clavecilla and businessman Jun Sevilla.

Jose Romasanta, spokesman of the POC, sounded surprised over some of the names being mentioned when they are not really being considered.

“A lot of people are trying to get in touch with Mr. Cojuangco regarding this and it has given him a headache. Too many calls regarding recommendations,” said Romasanta, former chief of Project: Gintong Alay of the 1980s.

Romasanta said during his old tenure, he remembered the late President Corazon Aquino asking him why too many people are interested in positions at the PSC.

“The former President asked me, ‘Joey, ano ba ang meron dyan sa PSC at madaming gusto ma-appoint dyan?’” Romasanta recalled. He told the late President he didn’t know for himself.

Things haven’t changed because each time there’s a vacancy in the post of PSC chairman or the four commissioners, there seems to be too much lobbying even from politicians or former sports officials. 

Loyzaga served the PSC for two years. He resigned last week so he can fully attend to his ailing father, 82-year-old basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga who’s in Australia.

Managuelod said yesterday he’s surprised why his name is being mentioned when he did not apply for the position.

“I really don’t know.  I have never applied for any government position since I retired from service,” said the retired police general who’s also a lawyer.

“I don’t know if anyone endorsed me. I served the country for 45 years already and now I’m happy with what I’m doing for Muaythai. We have over 2,500 members from Northern Luzon to Mindanao. I’m already helping sports so there’s no need to join the PSC,” he said.

Managuelod, however, said it will be a different matter if he is formally asked to join the PSC.

“It depends,” he said.