Face-to-face: Tolentino vs Juico para sa POC presidency

SA darating na Linggo, ika-28 ng Hulyo, ay pipili ng bagong pangulo ang Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). Nagtutuos para sa bakanteng puwesto ng POC president sina Dr. Philip “Popoy” Juico ng athletics at Congressman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino ng cycling. Ang halalang ito ang inaasahang magsasaayos sa nagkakagulong grupo. Ito rin ang inaasahang magbibigay ng katiyakan at direksyon sa pagtatanghal ng 30th Southeast Asian Games dito sa bansa sa darating na Nobyembre. Eksklusibong nakapanayam ni Eric Dimzon ang dalawang kandidato at narito ang kanilang tugon.

Bakit ka tumatakbo bilang POC president?
Popoy: I have been into sports all my life. In high school and college, I was an athlete in volleyball, swimming and track and field. I feel there is still much to be done in sports. With all sincerity, I wish to do my share in unifying the sports community. I hope I can make a difference.
Bambol: I want to continue the reforms introduced by Mr. Vargas, with or without the support of the executive board, relying on the support of the (POC) general assembly. I also think I can help more with the assistance from the private sector and government, especially the executive department.

Sinu-sino ang tatakbo sa ilalim ng iyong tiket?
Popoy: Steve Hontiveros of bowling for POC chairman and Clint Aranas of archery and Lani Velasco of swimming for the two board seats.
Bambol: Robert Aventejado of taekwondo for chairman, (Monico) Puentevella of weightlifting and (Cynthia) Carrion of gymnastics for board members.

What will you focus on once you become POC president?
Popoy: The SEA Games. That is the immediate problem and opportunity.
Bambol: With a short term, I will focus on the SEA Games and Tokyo Olympics.

What do you intend to do with PHISGOC?
Popoy: There is a framework articulated by the highest authority of the country. And we will work within that framework. I think the best way to answer this is by quoting the Bible. Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and render to God whar belongs to God. Kung ano ang papel ninyo, gampanan nang mabuti. We are a team. We will work together to achieve our common goal.
Bambol: We will cooperate and support PHISGOC.

What do you intend to do with the ‘disenfranhised’ NSAs like the Philippine Volleyball Federation, Philippine Bowling Congress, Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and Table Tennis Association of the Philippines?
Popoy: First, I have to know the facts. I do not know all the facts. The GA voted against these groups but that is just one side of the story. I have to study the cases of these groups.
Bambol: We will handle correctly all NSAs with disputes like what I did last GA where I requested the inclusion of some NSAs to be regular members.

What can you offer as POC president to ensure good governance in sports?
Popoy: Well ganito. It is important to secure small victories. Pick the low-lying fruits first. Gain momentum to gain the trust and confidence of the community. Good governance is simply the prudent use of power and authority for the common good.
Bambol: My presidency in POC will be transparent, inclusive and supportive of the needs of the NSAs. We will be one big family in the sports community under my leadership.