Ramirez formally named PSC chair

After more than four months as officer-in-charge, William "Butch" Ramirez, the soft-spoken former college professor from Davao, was finally named chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Ramirez’ appointment papers were actually signed by President Arroyo last May 3 or more than a month ago. They were signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on May 24 but reached Ramirez only yesterday.

But with or without the delay, the appointment was certainly welcome news for the 55-year-old Ramirez, his fellow PSC officials and hundreds of its employees.

"Malaki ang aking pasasalamat kay President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa kanyang pagtitiwala," said Ramirez yesterday from Bacolod City where he is inspecting sports venues to be used in this year’s SEA Games.

"This is not the time to take it easy because we have to concentrate on the country’s hosting of the SEA Games in November," added Ramirez who joined the PSC as commissioner in 2000.

"I came from humble beginnings and yet the President gave me all her trust and confidence. Maybe she has recognized what I’ve done for the past few months. Lalo kong pagbubutihan ito," he added.

Also receiving his appointment papers yesterday was Ritchie Garcia who was tapped to take Ramirez’ place as one of four commissioners.

Garcia was a former commissioner during the term of then President Joseph Estrada. His efforts in helping the country prepare for the SEA Games hosting in November may have earned the nod of President Arroyo.

Also currently serving as commissioners are Leon Montemayor, Ambrosio de Luna and Jose Mundo.

Ramirez was named OIC last January after chairman Eric Buhain was transferred to the Games and Amusements Board. Since then, he has endeared himself to the athletes, fellow officials and PSC employees.

Last month, when news broke out that former Sen. Robert Jaworski was being groomed to sit as PSC chairman, hundreds of PSC employees wrote Malacañang a letter asking for Ramirez’ appointment as chairman.

Ramirez officially has become the seventh chairman of the PSC, which was created in 1990. Those who have held the post were Aparicio Mequi, Cecil Hechanova, Gemiliano Lopez, Philip Juico, Butch Tuason and Buhain.