Raymundo new Asaphil chief, seeks POC nod

Mario Raymundo, who was recently "elected" president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines, yesterday expressed confidence that he would soon get the full blessing of the Philippine Olympic Committee under Jose Cojuangco.

Raymundo, the former Pasig City mayor who also headed the softball association in the ’90s, was elected Asaphil president Thursday evening or barely hours after former Manila Congressman Harry Angping stepped down as president of the association.

Before announcing his move, Angping had scheduled an Asaphil election later this month in Zamboanga City where the 2006 National Open will also be held. He said the coming election is the "official one" and not the one held Thursday night.

Despite the warning, Raymundo and his group, which includes softball great Filomeno "Boy" Codiñera, pushed through with their elections that was witnessed by Philippine Olympic Committee representative Romeo Ribano of squash.

Shortly after being elected, Raymundo contacted Cojuangco who even offered to be the inducting officer of the new set of Asaphil officers, according to Raymundo.

Angping became Asaphil president in 2002, sending the Philippine team to various international competitions capped by gold medal victories in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games last December.

Angping has nominated Cebuano sportsman Jean Henry Lhuillier as his possible successor. But whether or not the elections in Zamboanga would still push through now remains the question.

Aside from Raymundo, the new set of officers include Marino Tancingco, vice president for the Visayas; Joaquin Sarabia, VP for Mindanao; Greg Jimena, secretary-general; Larry Aranzaso, treasurer; Greg Coronel, auditor; and Rolando Navarro and Romy Asejo as commissioners. Codiñera will be part of the coaching staff.