JOSE 'Peping' Cojuangco has vowed to produce results — specifically a fighting chance of ending the country’s gold medal drought in the Olympics — after winning a fresh mandate as Philippine Olympic Committee president.
Cojuangco, who ran unopposed Friday’s elections held at the Alabang Country Club, swept to a third third term as POC president as his group clinched all the seats in the country's Olympic body.
Cojuangco, who tallied 32 out of the 43 votes in the POC general assembly, said that he will make sure that he will be productive in his final term.
“I’ve been given another four years and I’d like to make sure that in the last four years as president of the POC, I can finally produce that result which people are expecting,” Cojuangco told a group of sportswriters after the polls.
When asked by a sports scribe if he is referring to an Olympic gold, Cojuangco said: “Well, I guess so… One of the things that the Philippines lacks is an Olympic gold medal. That will be our number one target, I guess.”
Cojuangco has vowed to continue his programs like a strength and conditioning for athletes, a more sophisticated nutrition program, and the creation of a new training center, which he believes will finally be realized with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.
“I think we now have the funds and programs implemented to really assure us of candidates for medals in the Olympics,” Cojuangco said.
Also winning under Cojuangco’s ticket were Tom Carrasco (chairman), Joey Romasanta (first vice-president), Jeff Tamayo (second vice-president), Julian Camacho (treasurer), Prospero Pichay (auditor), and Dave Carter, Jonne Go, Cynthia Carrion, and Ernesto Echauz (board members).
Steve Hontiveros is also expected to be re-appointed as secretary general.
Cojuangco said that his team is fully committed to the development of Philippine sports.
“This team is committed to work for sports. Each one will be given specific assignments. No one man can handle the magnitude of Philippine sports,” Cojuangco said.