.jpg)
OPPOSITION leader Manny Lopez accepted the victory of Jose 'Peping' Cojuangco as Philippine Olympic Committee president, while vowing support to the newly-elected officials.
No one in Lopez’s slate secured a seat in the Olympic body after Friday’s elections at the Alabang Country Club. Lopez, however, said that their group will support Cojuangco’s group in their plans and programs.
“The electorate has spoken,” the former longtime Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president said right after the official results came in. “Kami, as far as we are concerned, we accept the decision for the future of Philippine sports.”
“We will cooperate with these new sets of officers. We will try and work together in our search for a better Philippine sports,” said Lopez, who failed in his bid for a fresh four-year term as POC first vice-president.
Cojuangco seconded Lopez’s statements.
“Like what they said, the elections are over. Let’s work together. We have one objective,” Cojuangco said.
Lopez, the chief of mission in the London Olympic Games, was beaten by karatedo chief Joey Romasanta, 24-16, in a surprisingly lopsided victory for the former Gintong Alay chief.
In his final act as POC chairman, Monico Puentevella adjourned the elections and congratulated the winners. Puentevella lost to triathlon president Tom Carrasco, 21-18, in his bid for a fresh mandate.
The race for the chairmanship turned out to be the closest among all the positions contested with treasurer and auditor hopefuls Romeo Ribano of squash and Godofredo Galindez of golf losing by 16 votes.
Galindez, golf's secretary general, didn't even vote as National Golf Association of the Philippines president Tommy Manotoc was present in the proceedings.
Gener Dungo of volleyball had 16 votes but was a far seven votes away from Ernesto Echauz for the final seat in the board.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
