Ricky Vargas running for POC top post – reports

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Vargas of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will run for the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in next month’s elections, according to multiple media reports.

Vargas, who became president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) in 2008, is slated to challenge current POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco. The elections take place on November 25.

“I accept to lead the call for change as asked of me by sports leaders,” Vargas said in a statement, per Philstar.

“I know it’s not an easy task to go up against the entrenched powers that be but the clamor is too intense for me to ignore,” he said.

Vargas has yet to reply to an inquiry e-mail from Rappler as of posting time.

Cojuangco, 82, is running for a fourth straight term as POC president and reportedly has the support of the majority.

The POC has 43 voting members, which includes 40 NSAs (national sports associations). To win the post, a candidate must get 22 votes. 

Mariano Araneta (football) and Abraham Tolentino (cycling) both showed interest in the POC top post as well, but withdrew from their ambitions to make way for Vargas’ bid.

The vice president of the POC, Jose Romasanta, said in a statement that he welcomes the new development.

“That’s why we are having elections. It’s the pillar of Olympism and it shows that we are preserving democracy in the POC,” Romasanta said. – Rappler.com