OCA told on spotty SEAG officiating

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco said it’s about time the SEA Games Federation do something about the officiating in the biennial event.

“We will try to create a discussion on the matter in the next SEAG Federation meeting,” said Cojuangco the other day.

The POC president has long batted for fairness in officiating in the SEA Games where events in subjective sports are often marred by spotty officiating.

He said the Philippines is not the only country that has aired the concern about the officiating.

But Cojuangco said the issue has not been properly presented and addressed before the SEAG. He said now is the time.

The other day, Cojuangco met the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Kahad Al-Sabah, who’s in the country for a two-day visit.

The OCA president is on a business tour, and decided to make a quick stopover in Manila from Australia before heading to Beijing for another stop.

“I mentioned it to the Sheikh and he said we should draw up a position letter that we can present in the next federation meeting in Singapore in February,” said Cojuangco.

“The Sheikh said we can furnish him a copy of our position and even suggested that Mikee (Cojuangco-Jaworski) also be given a copy,” he added.

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski is the International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines. She is the daughter of the POC chief.

“By doing this, we can already create some awareness in time for the Singapore SEA Games in June. Everybody will become aware of the situation,” said Cojuangco.

“We’re hoping that something positive comes out of our position,” said Cojuangco, who will present the matter to the POC executive committee tomorrow.

The OCA president arrived in Manila on board a private plane and was welcomed by POC officials, including chairman Tom Carrasco and vice president Jose Romasanta.

Also on hand at the Sofitel Hotel were POC second vice president Jeff Tamayo and board members Steve Hontiveros, Julian Camacho and Cynthia Carrion.