POC to PABA: Observe status quo

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday clarified that it has not given its full blessings on Ely Baradas to act as president of the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association.

Steve Hontiveros, secretary-general of the POC, said the only time they will recognize a new PABA head will be after new elections are held.

Hector Navasero, the long-time president of PABA, died early this month.

But Baradas said the other day that the Philippine Sports Commission, through commissioner Jolly Gomez, is now recognizing him as acting president.

Baradas, however, said on top of his agenda is to convene the PABA board and all the stakeholders to set the elections as early as November.

Hontiveros said with the death of Navasero, the POC is observing a status quo on the PABA leadership, meaning everybody holds on to their current positions until the elections are held.

Baradas is PABA executive vice-president and commissioner.

“The PSC has no right to recognize any NSA (national sports association) head without the authority from the POC,” said Hontiveros.

The POC official said the PABA should convene its board and gather all the stakeholders, as Baradas plans to do, and work on the holding of the elections as soon as possible.

The PABA must also furnish the POC of its constitution and by-laws for the Olympic body to go through.

“Then we will meet them regarding the elections and only then will it be official,” said Hontiveros.