New NGAP head vows full swing on programs

Benny Gopez, the outspoken, often-misunderstood golf official involved in Philippine sports for years, was elected unopposed as president of the National Golf Association of the Philippines yesterday and vowed to vigorously pursue the programs initiated by his predecessor since 2000.

"Our development programs under Mr. (Rod) Feliciano has been as strong as ever and I intend to pursue them and add more teeth to ensure that all loopholes are plugged," said Gopez after the elections held at the Philippine Navy Golf Clubhouse.

He added that amateurs, as well as the country’s professionals, will receive the same healthy treatment under his administration while he would enjoin all clubs in the country to work hand in hand with the golf body for a common goal –to strengthen the sport not only locally but internationally as well.

Before assuming the presidency, Gopez was the NGAP secretary-general, a post he held for years where he made many friends as well as enemies.

"That’s what Mr. Feliciano told me – na maraming galit sa akin. And it’s about time that I should prove my worth," Gopez said.

One of his immediate concerns is to establish links with Tommy Manotoc, who, along with Luigi Yulo of Canlubang, OV Espiritu of Manila Golf Club, Alex Montelibano of Bacolod and Vicente "Enteng" Santos of Sta. Lucia Realty, put up the Philippine Golf Development Foundation recently to assist the NGAP in its programs.

Gopez will replace Feliciano, who was elected director and honorary chairman but who nominated Gopez as his successor.

"I believe in his capacity as a leader," said Feliciano of Gopez. "I’ve worked with him for years and I know I am reposing the NGAP’s highest position in the hands of an able, upright and respected person in Mr. Gopez."

Elected vice president was Danny Pizarro, secretary general Luisito "Louie" Fernandez, treasurer Alice Ll. Andrada, and auditor Jun Galindez.

Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita retained his post as director and volunteered together with newly-elected director Sec. Leandro Mendoza as advisers. The directors are Gen. Roberto Sabularse, Atty. Federico Agcaoili and Feliciano. Director for Luzon is Gen. Roberto Santiago. Anthony Sasin retained his position as director for Mindanao.