GTK hoping for best, but expecting worst

MANILA, Philippines - Athletics chief Go Teng Kok is hoping for the best and yet bracing for the worst as he awaits the decision of the POC elections committee whether or not he’s eligible to run for president on Nov. 30.

The elections committee composed of former congressman Victorico Chaves, Ricky Palou and Bro. Bernie Oca met the other day but deferred their decision until Monday.

The committee members did not reveal any reason for the delay, and none of them would take calls or return text messages like a gag order has been imposed.

Go is prepared for either scenario.

“If they disqualify me, then I go to the court and seek a TRO (temporary restraining order) on the POC elections. If they say I’m qualified to run, then I will run,” he said.

“But I can’t understand why the elections committee is keeping their decision to themselves. Are they buying time so by Monday I will have less time to seek the TRO?” Go added.

Go said it won’t work because if the committee announces on Monday that he is disqualified from the elections, he can still get the TRO issued before Friday’s elections.

Go also said if Cojuangco, who is seeking a third term, is confident of victory, then why is he being prevented from running against him.

Go was expelled from the POC almost two years ago following irreconcilable differences from incumbent president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

But Go got a favorable ruling from the Regional Trial Court of Pasig which said his expulsion from the POC was illegal and was without due process.

The POC sought a petition from the Supreme Court but the petition was dismissed. Go said the dismissal proves that he remains a member of the POC and therefore qualified to run.