Is sports a priority? - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson
February 13, 2001 | 12:00am
Its been nearly a month since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office and to this day, she remains mum on a vision for sports.
But I expect the wait to be over soon. The President is busy setting up the framework for her Administration and sports will surely be a major component in her overall program. Remember her ascension to power wasnt planned. So lets be patient.
President Arroyo is intelligent but is no nerd. She likes sports and plays golf. So does her husband, Mike.
The other day, President Arroyo accepted the invitation to award the trophy to the winner of the coming World Boxing Council (WBC) International Superbantamweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Tetsutora Senrima in Antipolo. That means shell be at ringside.
Theres a hint of President Arroyos vision for sports in the foreword she wrote in former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Philip Juicos book "Sports and Governance."
Heres an excerpt:
"As we enter the New Millennium, the physical fitness, recreation and sports sector is enjoying unprecedented popularity and prestige and plays a crucial role in the development of society, peace, promotion of values and education. This phenomenon must be protected."
Thats a clear indication that President Arroyo wont relegate sports in the background of her national agenda.
In his book, Juico said even when President Arroyo was still a Senator, "she found ways to be of assistance to Philippine sports." And recalled Juico, she delivered a speech before SCOOP two years ago another indication that the President makes time for sports and sports media practitioners.
Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty hovers above the heads of the PSC and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). Will the heads stay or will they roll? Its all up to President Arroyo.
GAB Chairman Dominador Cepeda, who has called the shots in the government agency supervising professional sports since the Ramos administration, said he serves at the Presidents pleasure whomever he or she is. There is no fixed term for the Malacañang appointees in the GAB and PSC.
Executive Secretary Renato de Villa recently issued a memo to Presidential appointees, instructing them "to stay put" until a replacement is named. In other words, if no replacement is named, then they remain in office.
Courtesy resignations are expected of Cabinet officials, not of appointees such as the GAB Chairman and Commissioners. "Its not necessary," said Cepeda, "because we can be taken out at any time." Under Cepedas watch, the countrys stock in world boxing has gotten a big boost thats a result of his spadework. A low point in his administration was his decision to reclassify the 17-year-old Philippine Basketball League from amateur to professional. But of course, the decision isnt cast in stone.
As for the PSC, President Arroyo may be in a bit of a bind because of her pronouncement that none of her relatives will be appointed to government positions. PSC Chairman Butch Tuason, whos done a good job, is her husbands first cousin. But wait, theres a way out. For as long as Tuason doesnt resign or even turn in a courtesy resignation, hell be exempted from President Arroyos sweeping decree against relatives. After all, it wasnt President Arroyo who appointed him it was her predecessor.
Tuason and the three Commissioners, who were former President Estradas appointees, continue to hold court at the PSC. The Commissioners are William Ramirez, Weena Lim, and Richie Garcia. Two Commissioners have resigned. Monico Puentevella left before EDSA 2 while Boy Celles quit after.
Whats disconcerting is the news that over 30 hopefuls are lobbying to take control of the GAB and PSC like vultures circling dying bodies. Its appalling to note that some have the audacity to issue press releases extolling their alleged virtues. I have the gut feeling that if an aspirant wants a post in the GAB or PSC that badly, hes up to no good. So beware of hopefuls who are campaigning to be appointed.
In case President Arroyo decides to appoint new heads at the GAB and PSC, may I respectfully suggest 10 requirements or qualifications to consider. Ill list them down in tomorrows column.
But I expect the wait to be over soon. The President is busy setting up the framework for her Administration and sports will surely be a major component in her overall program. Remember her ascension to power wasnt planned. So lets be patient.
President Arroyo is intelligent but is no nerd. She likes sports and plays golf. So does her husband, Mike.
The other day, President Arroyo accepted the invitation to award the trophy to the winner of the coming World Boxing Council (WBC) International Superbantamweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Tetsutora Senrima in Antipolo. That means shell be at ringside.
Theres a hint of President Arroyos vision for sports in the foreword she wrote in former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Philip Juicos book "Sports and Governance."
Heres an excerpt:
"As we enter the New Millennium, the physical fitness, recreation and sports sector is enjoying unprecedented popularity and prestige and plays a crucial role in the development of society, peace, promotion of values and education. This phenomenon must be protected."
Thats a clear indication that President Arroyo wont relegate sports in the background of her national agenda.
In his book, Juico said even when President Arroyo was still a Senator, "she found ways to be of assistance to Philippine sports." And recalled Juico, she delivered a speech before SCOOP two years ago another indication that the President makes time for sports and sports media practitioners.
GAB Chairman Dominador Cepeda, who has called the shots in the government agency supervising professional sports since the Ramos administration, said he serves at the Presidents pleasure whomever he or she is. There is no fixed term for the Malacañang appointees in the GAB and PSC.
Executive Secretary Renato de Villa recently issued a memo to Presidential appointees, instructing them "to stay put" until a replacement is named. In other words, if no replacement is named, then they remain in office.
Courtesy resignations are expected of Cabinet officials, not of appointees such as the GAB Chairman and Commissioners. "Its not necessary," said Cepeda, "because we can be taken out at any time." Under Cepedas watch, the countrys stock in world boxing has gotten a big boost thats a result of his spadework. A low point in his administration was his decision to reclassify the 17-year-old Philippine Basketball League from amateur to professional. But of course, the decision isnt cast in stone.
Tuason and the three Commissioners, who were former President Estradas appointees, continue to hold court at the PSC. The Commissioners are William Ramirez, Weena Lim, and Richie Garcia. Two Commissioners have resigned. Monico Puentevella left before EDSA 2 while Boy Celles quit after.
Whats disconcerting is the news that over 30 hopefuls are lobbying to take control of the GAB and PSC like vultures circling dying bodies. Its appalling to note that some have the audacity to issue press releases extolling their alleged virtues. I have the gut feeling that if an aspirant wants a post in the GAB or PSC that badly, hes up to no good. So beware of hopefuls who are campaigning to be appointed.
In case President Arroyo decides to appoint new heads at the GAB and PSC, may I respectfully suggest 10 requirements or qualifications to consider. Ill list them down in tomorrows column.
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