Araneta keeps post as PFF president

Mariano “Nonong” Araneta will stay on as the president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) until 2015 after he was unanimously elected yesterday during the PFF Congress.

Of the 33 football association members of the PFF, 32 voted for Araneta’s re-election.

Charlie Cojuangco, who heads the Negros Occidental FA, was not able to attend the election.

“I am very honored that 32 out 33 voted for me. It is really a challenge for me not to let them down, not to let football down,” Araneta said.

With his stint as PFF president continuing, Araneta said the emphasis will now be on the grassroots development in the country as well as the continuous support for the Azkals.

Araneta also said that there would be no cause to boot out known allies of former PFF president Mari Martinez as long as they remain dedicated to the development of football.

Aside from the grassroots development and Azkals support, Araneta said he will also look into professionalizing the PFF and establishing a direction for the national sporting body as early as next year.

The PFF board also have six new members in Jovy Arellano of Masbate FA, Roland Tulay of the National Capital Region (NCR) FA, Mario Garovillo of Rizal FA, Leopoldo Arnaiz of Baguio FA, Abner Labja of Davao FA and Cabili Sinsuat Jr. of Maguindanao Cotabato FA.

Reelected into the board were Richard Montayre of Cebu FA, Charlie Cojuangco of Negros Occidental FA, Dick Emperado of Negros Oriental FA, Dan Palami of Leyte FA, Ramon Manlunas of Bukidnon FA, and Flaviano Fucoy III of Pagadian FA.