Philippine Olympic Committee polls body to Disqualify Ricky Vargas anew?

MANILA, Philippines — Boxing chief Ricky Vargas is hoping that he is allowed to run in Friday’s elections against  Jose Cojuangco for the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee but it’s possible  he will be disqualified by the POC elections committee, the same way he was disqualified during the 2016 elections.

“They might – strongly,” said Vargas, who’s facing yet another disqualification due to his alleged failure to establish himself as an active member of the POC General Assembly.

POC spokesperson Rep. Prospero Pichay said the election committee will be led by former IOC (International Olympic Committee) representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde with Bro. Bernie Oca of La Salle and election lawyer Alberto Agra as members.

It was also the same committee which disqualified Vargas and Abraham Tolentino from running in 2016.

Vargas said if the disqualification happens, the POC should brace itself against any action that may be carried out by the NSAs which are supporting his candidacy and his call for change in the POC leadership.

“We’ll see how the GA would react to another disqualification so there will be only one candidate (Cojuangco),” he said.

“If they disqualify us, then they (POC) may face contempt of court and possible movement from the NSAs. The NSAs may clamor for the inclusion of myself and Rep. (Abraham) Tolentino, and say, ‘We want them,’” said Vargas.

Yesterday, Vargas said, “was a long day.”

“The process that we were heading to was toward the disqualification,” said Vargas of yesterday’s extra-ordinary GA attended by the country’s top sports leaders, and lasted nearly three hours at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. 

Agreeing to Friday’s elections, and the formation of the elections committee, according to Vargas, was the best way to end yesterday’s discussion.

Vargas, who was disqualified in 2016 along with cycling chief and Tagaytay City Rep. Abraham Tolentino (for chairman), said the POC once again disqualifying him would be in “direct contempt of court.”

After the 2016 elections, Vargas and Tolentino went to court, which ruled in their favor last December, declaring the said elections “null and void” and ordering another one on Friday, with Vargas and Tolentino as candidates for president and chairman.

Vargas said they have a petition signed by 23 of the 40 voting NSAs urging the holding of the elections on Friday.

Yet, the boxing chief will not even be surprised if he and Tolentino are again disqualified.

Displaying statesmanship, however, Vargas said boycotting Friday’s elections is not included in their plans.

“We’re not talking about a boycott. We are talking about our right to run. If they disqualify us, they (POC) face the legal (ramifications) and the backlash from the NSAs, and how the NSAs will receive the disqualification,” he said.

“I’m happy there will be an election. We will be there. Of course, I will be there. All of us. We have the right to vote,” said Vargas.