Tuason leaves it up to GMA; Ramirez set to resign today

After formally announcing his resignation, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Carlos "Butch" Tuason yesterday said his fate is now totally in the hands of President Arroyo.

"Now that I have tendered my official resignation as chairman of the PSC, I’m already at the mercy of the President," said Tuason in a press conference at the Medalla Hall of the PSC building.

"And while the President has yet to decide on my resignation, I’ll just be here continuing my work as head of this agency," he added.

Tuason explained that his sudden resignation could partly be blamed on bickerings and politics in sports, including his rift with the Athletes and Coaches Alliance of the Philippines (ACAP) headed by former weightlifting champion Jaime Sebastian.

"I hope people with (their own) agenda are satisfied with my resignation," Tuason said. "I just hope that when I’m gone, politics will stop in the PSC because if not, RP sports would never flourish."

Tuason also mentioned of his plan to continuously support the PSC even in a private capacity.

Like Tuason, PSC commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez is reportedly set on filing his own courtesy resignation to give Malacañang a free hand in the reorganization of the PSC.

"I will also tender my official resignation tomorrow (Wednesday) because I want to give the President a free hand in reorganizing the PSC," Ramirez said in a press statement.

Ramirez’s fellow commissioners — Cynthia Carrion, Ricardo Garcia and Amparo "Weena" Lim — have opted not to follow suit, saying that an official resignation is not necessary since they can be removed instantly if the President wants to.

"A resignation isn’t needed since the President can remove us anytime," said Garcia. "We’re just here at the President’s pleasure."

Both Garcia and Lim admitted that they were left at a loss after not being informed by Tuason of his abrupt resignation. "We’re really at a loss here because he (Tuason) didn’t inform us personally of his intention (to resign)."

Carrion, the only appointee of President Arroyo in the PSC, for her part, said Tuason’s resignation is a brave act.

"I’m happy that chairman Tuason resigned," said Carrion. "It’s a gentlemanly act and very unselfish."

Carrion also said she would not accept the chairmanship should she be offered that position. "I definitely would not accept it because I serve well as commissioner."