Performance is what matters, says Tuason

Carlos "Butch" Tuason is counting on the performance of his duties — and not his closeness to the First Family — as the key to his possible retention as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, the country’s top sports agency.

Tuason believes that President Arroyo will take into serious consideration his performance over the last two years when she finally decides on whether to keep him as PSC head or appoint a new chairman.

"I’m sure that’s going to be the basis of the President when she finally decides on this. And if ever I get to keep my job here in the PSC, it’s not because of my relationship with the President’s husband," said Tuason.

The President’s husband, Juan Miguel Arroyo, is a close relative of the incumbent PSC chairman, who was tapped by former President Joseph Estrada to replace Philip Ella Juico, one of those being considered as Tuason’s possible replacement.

Tuason added that if the President keeps him in the PSC, it will not go against her promise to the people that she would never appoint any of her relatives to government positions "because in my case, it will simply be a retention and not a direct appointment."

Juico had said he was not "too hot" on regaining the PSC post he held under the Ramos administration. Instead, he would rather see a new brainchild of his — the Gold Medal Award or GMA — turn into reality.
Once approved by President Arroyo, Juico’s newest program study would focus solely on helping the Philippines win its first-ever Olympic gold, starting in the 2004 Games in Athens, and relegate the PSC into a body merely centered on grassroots development.

Tuason and his commissioners have not resigned and are leaving it up to the President to decide on their status. issue is not expected to come out soon since it’s not part of her top priorities after being sworn into office last Jan. 20. Filling in key positions in her cabinet and naming her vice president is her main concern these days.