New athletics chief seeks POC nod

MANILA, Philippines - After yesterday’s orderly elections, the new president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association is seeking the recognition of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“We will submit the papers needed for POC recognition,” said Philip Juico, who was unanimously elected as the new president of Patafa at the Orchids Hotel in Manila.

Go Teng Kok, who occupied the post for 24 years, stepped down yesterday and delivered a 10-minute farewell speech before the Patafa members.

Juico, former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, was elected along with Boy Sering (vice president), Maricor Pacheco (auditor), Lucy Artiaga (secretary) and Janet Obiena (auditor).

Named to the board of directors were Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, former Bureau of Immigration commissioner Al Fernandez, Cham Teng Young, Chua Pio and Go.

Fernandez will remain as Patafa chairman.

“As you can see, three of the five officers are women. It is in compliance with the International Olympic Committee policy on gender equity and equality,” said Juico.

The POC did not send a representative because it thought that technicalities or objections would surround the exercise. But it turned out to be an orderly one.

“That’s great,” said POC vice president Jose Romasanta.

In the absence of a POC representative, Patafa officials welcomed the presence of Asian Athletics Association (AAA) officials Maurice Nicholas and Regina Ang who both flew in from Singapore.

The elections were also witnessed by officers from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Juico said he will work on the POC recognition which should automatically be followed by the recognition of the Philippine Sports Commission.

“The recognition will create harmony which should be an accomplishment for Patafa and the POC, and good for the athletes, the country and our stakeholders,” said Juico.

“I don’t see any problem. Mr. Juico must just comply with the other requirements like submitting to us what transpired. Then the POC board will look into it,” said Romasanta.

The POC official said he was glad to be “proven wrong” about the conduct of the elections, and added that Juico is more than qualified and capable to handle the post.

“We have no reason not to wish him well,” added Romasanta, who was contacted by Juico after the elections. 

Juico also plans to get in touch with other Patafa regional officers. Of 33 Patafa members, 25 made it to elections.

Rodriguez, also the former immigrations chief, thanked Go for his long and devoted service as Patafa president.

Under Go’s watch, Filipino track athletes earned the reputation as the biggest source of medals for the country when it comes to the Southeast Asian Games.

“Under Mr. Juico, Patafa will be great again,” said Go.