The petition paper seeking Buhain’s ouster, according to an NSA head who had seen it, only bore nine signatures, meaning the "rebel group" needs an even bigger number before they can even start thinking of submitting it to Malacañang.
There are close to 50 NSAs in the country although only 36 of them are considered regular voting members by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). The rest either stand as recognized or associate members.
Sources close to the "rebel group" said the number of NSAs dismayed with Buhain’s handling of the PSC had grown to 16. Still, it doesn’t come close to being the majority if you would consider the total number of NSAs – regular, recognized and associate.
The fact that the petition paper had only attracted NSAs with nothing much to show in terms of victories in the international arena also makes it less achievable.
The petition paper drafted Jan. 4 only bore the signatures of Chito Ilagan of swimming, Rey Jaylo of Judo, Claudio Altura of yachting, Benjie Ramos of rowing, Noel Buenaventura of gymnastics, Vic Valbuena of table tennis, Richard Gomez of fencing, Luciano Lim of bodybuilding and Dr. Sim Chi Tat of canoeing.
Only fencing and gymnastics won gold medals for the country during the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games.
In the group’s recent meeting, F1Q president Steve Hontiveros (bowling) and POC head Celso Dayrit (fencing) showed up, but why they didn’t affix their signatures on the petition paper certainly is not for the "rebel group" to advertise.
It was not clear, however, if Dayrit had authorized Gomez, a member of the RP fencing team, to sign on his behalf.
Looking at the short list, a PSC official was amazed why these NSAs with practically nothing to show are the ones calling for Buhain’s ouster.
"Who are these NSAs? Are they the ones giving honors to the country? I heard that they’re now trying to lure the bigger NSAs. And they seem to be having a very difficult time doing that," he said.
Among the "bigger" NSA presidents who have refused to sign the petition paper were wushu’s Julian Camacho, boxing’s Manny Lopez, basketball’s Tiny Literal, tennis’ Buddy Andrada, taekwondo’s Robert Aventajado, weightlifting’s Rep. Monico Puentevella and athletics’ Go Teng Kok.
The "rebel group" is reportedly moving heaven and earth trying to convince Go, the controversial and yet powerful sports figure who enjoys the undying support of close to 10 other NSA presidents, to join their cause.
Go, however, isn’t biting – at least for now.
The athletics chief, a PSC insider said, had resented the fact that he was contacted by the "rebel group" only last Jan. 24 or 20 days after the petition paper was drafted.
"Maybe because it was only then that they felt they needed his help – when they failed to produce the numbers. They know that getting GTK to sign is as good as getting maybe 10 other signatures," said the insider.
Getting GTK’s support, therefore, could be the key to his oust-Buhain-move.
An NSA head who did not sign the petition paper also had this to say:
"I don’t think the timing is good. The Athens Olympics will be held this year and the national elections is just around the corner. Let’s just wait what happens. If GMA (President Arroyo) gets elected, then let her decide if Buhain stays or not. If she doesn’t, then let the new president decide. It’s as simple as that," he said.
As one scribe put it: "You just don’t change horses in midstream."