Bachmann appointed PSC chairman

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed a new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, with Richard Bachmann being tapped to replace Noli Eala.

Press Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil yesterday confirmed Bachmann’s appointment which came less than four months after Eala received his own appointment papers naming him the 11th PSC chairman.

Marcos also appointed Walter Francis Torres and Edward Lim Hayco as PSC commissioners. They join bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo who was appointed commissioner last August. Only one seat in the PSC board remained vacant.

Torres and Hayco took their oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Malacañang yesterday, the Office of the Press Secretary said.

Bachmann, former member of the PBA board of governors, ex-UAAP commissioner and current PBA 3x3 chairman, is expected to assume the high-profile post as soon as possible.

Bachmann’s appointment papers have been forwarded to and received by the PSC.

It was a surprising turn of events for the former PBA commissioner and noted sports commentator and TV host, who assumed the post last Aug. 30 and has started charting the course of Philippine sports.

“With all humility, I can say that I gave dignity and respect to the position of chairman and worked tirelessly for Philippine sports. I wish to thank President Bongbong Marcos for affording me the chance to help Philippine sports,” said Eala.

“As I leave, I am at peace knowing that in the months I served, I cared for all our athletes and Philippine sports like no other,” he added.

In his first month in office, Eala met with the heads of the various national sports associations (NSAs) and athletes groups, and has laid down the foundation for an ambitious program patterned after the old but effective Project: Gintong Alay in the 1980s.

However, it will not come to the fore.

Bachmann, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and a Major in Business Management, will bring with him a wide experience as a former player, commissioner and sports executive.

Bachmann will lead a PSC board that now consists of bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo, Torres, the current Philippine Paralympic Committee secretary general, and Hayco, a sportsman from Cebu.

One more spot for the position of commissioner remains vacant.