MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Vargas stepped down as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) during an executive session on Tuesday, June 18. 

Vargas tendered his irrevocable resignation through a letter to the executive board after 16 months in office. (TIMELINE: Will the POC feud affect PH’s SEA Games hosting?)

“This is to inform the Executive Board of the Philippine Olympic Committee that I am tendering my irrevocable resignation from the post of President of the organization, effective immediately,” wrote Vargas. 

“After much introspection, I have determined that there would be other sports leaders who would have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively.” 

LOOK: Ricky Vargas’ irrevocable resignation letter | @beebeego09 pic.twitter.com/CTenYine4h

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) June 18, 2019

Joey Romasanta, the POC 1st Vice President, took over the presidency.

However, Vargas will remain in the POC board as the immediate-past president.

Secretary-general Patrick Gregorio will stay in his post to assist the incoming president in the transition of leadership. 

Deputy secretary-general Karen Caballero will be replaced by Charlie Ho. 

The POC officials, including former POC president Peping Cojuangco, fired by Vargas last May 27 will return to their appointive positions except Monsour del Rosario, who submitted a resignation letter earlier. 

Vargas received heavy flak  from “majority of the POC board” when he became one of the incorporators of Philippine Southeast Asian Games organizing committee (PHISGOC) foundation. The POC board said it did not approve the incorporation of PHISGOC.

The POC board also accused PHISGOC foundation of entering questionable deals. These included the contract with Asics, which was supplier of the official uniforms of Team Philippines. 

Clint Aranas, the spokesperson appointed by the POC board in the meeting, assured that the current national Olympic committee would be able to iron out these issues. 

The POC will hold an extraordinary general assembly on Tuesday, June 25, at the GSIS gymnasium in Pasay in order to guide the national sports associations in making their own technical handbooks. – Rappler.com