GMA’s school pal to PSC post?

Aerobics exponent and physical fitness buff Cynthia Norton is reportedly President Arroyo’s personal choice to occupy the position of commissioner — or even chairperson — of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Presidential spokesman Renato Corona told the Philippine STAR that Norton, said to be a close friend and former classmate of the President at the Assumption Convent, had been mentioned as among the top contenders for the position.

The STAR gathered that over 45 candidates had filed an application for one of the four positions which the President has not filled since she assumed the presidency.

"The President mentioned last week that she wants to appoint Cynthia Norton to the PSC. I just don’t know if she already signed her appointment papers," Corona said.

The announcement, though unconfirmed, is the biggest development in the government’s sports agency since the new dispensation took over from the Estrada administration.

Since the administration of PSC chairman Philip Ella Juico, a woman commissioner has always been awarded a slot in the board of commissioners to give representation to the women’s sector.

Past female commissioners included Josie Bauzon and Tisha Abundo. Amparo "Weena" Lim, an appointee of deposed President Joseph Estrada, has not resigned. Officers who are on a hold-over capacity are PSC chairman Carlos "Butch" Tuason and commissioners William Ramirez and Richie Garcia.

Commissioner Leonardo Celles earlier resigned to run for councilor of San Juan.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit could not confirm the report of Norton’s appointment but said that if it were true, it would be a welcome news since Norton is "part of the POC."

Dayrit had named Norton chairperson of the Women in Sports committee of the POC.

Norton is head of the Philippine Aerobics Association, a "POC-recognized national sports association" which is under the umbrella of the gymnastics association.

Tuason also could not confirm the report since it has not reached his office.

"(If it is true), they should have called me (to confirm it)," said Tuason.