Insulate sports from politics, Palace tells POC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang called on the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to “insulate sports from politics” after the POC board was caught up in an internal conflict six months before the Philippines is set to host the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo issued the statement Tuesday after POC president Ricky Vargas, citing “loss of trust and confidence,” announced the termination of the appointment of former POC president Peping Cojuangco and several other officials.

“The Palace expresses support to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas and POC Chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino,” Panelo said.

“We call on everyone to insulate sports from politics,” he added.

Vargas said he would take over Cojuangco’s duties as the chairman of the Constitutional Amendments Committee until the POC finds a replacement.

The POC President, who won over Cojuangco during the elections last year, likewise recalled the appointment of SEA Games chef de mission (CDM) Monsour Del Rosario and deputy CDM Charlie Ho as well as the designation of POC first vice president Joey Romasanta as the country’s CDM to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Vargas claimed that the board, save from chairman Abraham Tolentino and secretary-general Patrick Gregorio, continued their “politics” in the POC under his leadership.

Panelo also reminded the POC that the country is just months away from hosting the 30th SEA Games and should remain united in rallying behind Filipino athletes.

“We should be together rallying behind and supporting all the Filipino athletes who are set to compete in the games as we extend our world-famous warmth and hospitality to our brothers and sisters in the region who are coming to Manila to participate and represent or cheer their nations,” Panelo said. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

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