Asaphil holds elections July 22

The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines will hold its general elections on July 22 in a bid to end the leadership dispute which recently rocked the association.

Former Manila Congressman Harry Angping, the legitimate Asaphil president, said any club that has participated in at least one Asaphil-sanctioned tournament may join the exercise.

"Everybody is welcome here. We will send out invitations to all the members regarding the elections," said Angping, who stressed that he’s not seeking re-election.

Angping’s final days as Asaphil president, a post he has occupied since 2002, were marred by calls for his ouster, particularly by a group which recently held its own elections.

During last month’s elections, Mario Raymundo, the former Pasig mayor who also served as Asaphil president during the early ’90s, was chosen president.

But the Philippine Olympic Committee the other day declared Raymundo’s election illegal since it violated certain sections of the Asaphil charter. The POC called on Asaphil to hold a new election.

Angping has nominated Cebuano sportsman Jean Henri Lhuillier as his successor.

Raymundo, according to Angping, was so disgusted with the POC decision that he has "declared war" against the POC, its president Jose Cojuangco, and Angping.

"He’s very mad and he’s declaring war. I heard he even called up POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros just to air his disgust. He was very mad," said Angping.

"If he’s declaring war, I’m declaring peace. I’m calling on Mr. Raymundo to join the elections we’re calling for next month. He’s welcome to run," said Angping.

But that’s not likely to happen.