Lawmakers: Probe POC for ‘alleged abuse of authority’

MANILA, Philippines – Two lawmakers want the House of Representatives to investigate, in aid of legislation, the “alleged mismanagement and abuse of authority of the current leaders of the Philippine Olympic Committee.”

KABAYAN party-list Representative Ron P. Salo and 1-ANG EDUKASYON Representative Salvador B. Belaro Jr. filed House Resolution 579 on Tuesday, November 22, directing the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development to probe the POC.

The POC, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, has been in hot water in recent weeks because of the controversy surrounding the disqualification of Ricky Vargas from seeking the POC presidency. Vargas is head of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines. 

The POC had previously denied Vargas’ appeal, standing by its decision to rule him ineligible due to his inability to meet an election requirement under Article 7 Section 11 of the POC constitution. It says candidates should be “active members of the POC general assembly for two consecutive years at the time of their election.”

Vargas has since gone to court and awaits a decision on Thursday, November 24, on a possible temporary restraining order on the POC elections, which are set for November 25.

The House is expected to probe incumbent POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, who, at 82 years old, is running for a fourth straight term.

The call for a probe also comes after the Philippines ended a 20-year Olympic medal drought in Rio this year, thanks to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. It also comes over a year since the country improved to 6th place at the Singapore Southeast Asian Games, only one notch higher since its worst performance at 7th place in 2013. (READ: How PH fared in last 5 SEA Games) – Rappler.com