FORMER Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Philip Ella Juico passed away on Saturday night after a long bout with the Big C.
He was 78.
Juico was the fourth chairman of the government sports agency and held the post from 1996 to 1998 during the time of the late President Fidel V. Ramos.
His son, Quezon City First District Representative Joseph Juico, announced the passing of the former government and sports official on social media on Sunday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father, Philip ‘Popoy’ Ella Juico, who peacefully joined our Creator at 8:18 p.m. on 31 October 2026,” said the younger Juico.
“After courageously battling cancer since 2022, my Papa passed away peacefully in his sleep. While our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally free from pain and suffering, and is now resting in God’s loving embrace.”
A product of De La Salle who once served as a sportswriter of both the high school and college publication, Juico first held public office during the time of President Corazon Aquino as secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform from 1987 to 1989.
He was later appointed PSC chairman seven years later when he replaced former Manila Mayor Gemiliano ‘Mel’ Lopez.
After his stint with the PSC, Juico became Dean of the Graduate School of Business of De La Salle Professional Schools.
Inducted into the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame, he spearheaded the establishment of the Philippine Super Liga where he served as chairman, before assuming the presidency of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
During his term at Patafa, pole vaulter EJ Obiena fully evolved into a world-class athlete and was ranked No. 6 in the world when he competed in the Tokyo Olympics.
Unfortunately, a major dispute between Juico and Obiena arose, leading to the former resigning from his post in the track and field federation and replaced by current president Terry Capistrano.
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