Panlilio rues lack of choices in POC polls

MANILA, Philippines - Al Panlilio, the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, did not mince words when asked to describe yesterday’s POC elections at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

“I hope we had more choices,” said Panlilio, moments after the names of the winners led by Jose “Peping” Cojuangco were officially announced.

Panlilio was referring to the fact that Ricky Vargas of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines and Rep. Abraham Tolentino of PhilCycling were barred from seeking the post of POC president and chairman, respectively.

The POC election committee ruled that Vargas and Tolentino were not qualified to run because they are not “active members” of the POC general assembly.

With Vargas and Tolentino out of contention, the others who ran under their group failed to draw the numbers against those on the side of the 82-year-old Cojuangco.

They included Rep. Albee Benitez of badminton who ran for first vice president, Gen. Lucas Managuelod who ran for second vice president, Sonny Barrios of basketball who sought the post of treasurer.

Vargas and Tolentino did not attend the elections.

Panlilio said it would have been different if the two sports officials were allowed to run and gave the rest of the POC members a choice.

“Those were the ballots available today (yesterday),” he said.

However, Panlilio is hoping that the POC can move forward and at the same time hoped that the leadership will be more “inclusive.”

“There’s no one group that can do it alone. In all sports we need collaboration and contribution from all the stakeholders. That’s the only way we can perform better,” he said.

As head of the MVP Sports Foundation, Panlilio said the support will continue to at least eight or nine sports that they’ve chosen.

“We cannot support everybody,” he said, citing, basketball, boxing, badminton, cycling, taekwondo, football, triathlon, golf and tennis.

“I think it’s not about personalities but the commitment of the (MVP) group to the athletes of the Philippines. It’s hard to say what are the plans for next year but obviously we’re very committed to Philippine sports,” he said.