Peping eyes 4th term as POC chief

MANILA, Philippines - Jose “Peping” Cojuangco will seek a fourth term as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee – with or without an opposing candidate.

Julian Camacho, POC treasurer, yesterday said Cojuangco has openly told the POC board he’s interested in seeking another term as POC chief.

The next POC elections is set Nov. 25 or three months after the Rio Olympics.

The 81-year-old Cojuangco was first elected POC president in 2004 by acclamation, and won a second four-year term in 2008 by beating the late Art Macapagal in a tight contest, 21-19.

In 2012, a group of NSAs (national sports associations) pushed for the candidacy of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan and challenged Cojuangco.

But MVP, the country’s No. 1 sports patron, decided against running, allowing Cojuangco, the uncle of President Aquino, to win a third term unopposed.

Camacho said no one has signified his or her intention of seeking the top POC post in the next elections.

“It was discussed during our last board meeting. So far, no one has expressed interest for the presidency,” said Camacho, a close Cojuangco ally.

“Most likely, Cong. (Cojuangco) will run once again. The rest may seek higher positions in the board. There may be some changes,” he added.

The long-time official of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines said Cojuango has openly mentioned to them his desire to seek a fourth term.

“Palaging binabanggit sa amin ni Cong. na tatakbo siya (He has told us a number of times he is seeking re-election),” said Camacho of the former congressman and mayor from Tarlac.

At his age, Cojuangco can still do a lot of things for Philippine sports, according to the wushu official.

“Malakas pa naman siya (He’s still strong). So, why not? We don’t see any reason why he can’t,” added Camacho.

For years now, Cojuangco has batted for the creation and construction of a new national training center to house the national athletes.

He said it’s about time to move the athletes from the polluted and congested streets of Manila to a new training center, perhaps in Pampanga.

“It needs to be done,” said Camacho.