Macapagal banks on at least 16 votes

Art Macapagal, who is gunning for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency, is so close to naming his ticket for the Nov. 28 elections.

By tomorrow, the half brother of President Arroyo should know who’s in and who’s not.

Harry Angping of softball, one of those behind Macapagal’s candidacy, said they are just making sure that when they announce their ticket, it’s “one-hundred-and-one percent sure.”

Incumbent POC president Jose Cojuangco bared his ticket six days ago, dropping 20 names and the specific positions they’re running for.

But Angping said some of those included in the Cojuangco list aren’t really committed yet in joining the ticket.

“By Friday we will know who’s with us. We don’t want to do what the other camp did. They announced the names of persons whose commitment to them is not yet solid,” said Angping.

“We have invited some people over to our group but there’s no acceptance yet so we don’t want to announce their names. We will make sure first before we do that,” he added.

A source from in the Macapagal camp said they have 16 votes under their belt. They are those from shooting, fencing, gymastics, softball, triathlon, rowing, squash, sailing, baseball, wrestling, golf, taekwondo, football, dragon boat, billiards and chess.

There are 40 members in the POC and a simple majority of 21 wins the elections.

Included in the list that Cojuangco bared are boxing, sepak takraw, wushu, soft tennis, pencak silat, cycling, judo, archery, canoe-kayak, bowling, karatedo, tennis, swimming, lawn balls, bodybuilding, table tennis, basketball, athletics, volleyball and equestrian.

The Election Committee yesterday laid down the rules and guidelines for the POC elections.

Former Congressman Victorico Chavez, who chairs the independent electoral body, and members – La Salle’s Bro. Bernie Oca and Ateneo’s Ricky Palou – signed the two-page guidelines.

The deadline for the submission of the certificate of candidacies for 10 posts including the president and the chairman is on or before Oct. 29, or 30 days before the quadrennial polling. – Abac Cordero/Joey Villar