Pompey and Concoy

The other night, I was at the wake of a dear family friend Pompey Nolasco whose wife Bibay is a cousin of my wife Menchu. Pompey was a well-known and highly respected lawyer who loved sports. His late father Ramon was once president of the Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association (PAVA), which his cousin Victorico (Concoy) Chaves also headed.

Pompey played golf with a passion and was a dedicated follower of sports. He was a keen observer of boxing and basketball. I remember fondly our conversations about the UAAP rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo (he went to Ateneo law school), Manny Pacquiao and the PBA. He often surprised me by sharing an insight or two about an athlete not too many experts would’ve known.

Pompey did basketball in school and his daughter Mia said aside from scorching the greens, he was a capable bowler. “200 was a common score even during his chemo sessions,” Mia disclosed.

What struck me about Pompey was his ability to get along with people from all walks of life. He was truly a man for all seasons. He was a doting husband, father and grandfather. It was difficult not to like him.

Family was his priority. He never turned his back on a relative who asked for his help or advice. For that matter, I don’t think he ever turned his back on anyone who asked for his help because he had a heart of gold.

If Pompey ever ran for public office, he would’ve won any position hands down. He wasn’t only brilliant. He was also compassionate. His charming and beautiful wife would’ve been a perfect complement. But he probably wouldn’t have stayed long in government because he had no taste for politics. He was a straight shooter, uncompromising in his principles. He would’ve always put public interest in the highest priority over some political consideration.

President Arroyo was at Pompey’s wake to express her condolences last Monday. Former President Estrada sent a wreath. Big businessmen, captains of industry and common folk whose lives he touched came to pay their respects. Pompey was that kind of man.

Concoy and Pompey were cut from the same mold.

Unlike Pompey, Concoy went into politics and served three straight terms as congressman from the second district of Misamis Oriental. When he completed his third term in 1998, Concoy decided it was time to move on.

Concoy was PAVA president for many years when the Philippines dominated women’s volleyball in Southeast Asia. He was instrumental in bringing a leg of the World Grand Prix to Manila and the initial hosting of the US, South Korea, Peru and Netherlands in 1994 was a huge success. But when Concoy saw politics rearing its ugly head in the sport, he walked away – unlike so many officials who cling to their positions for dear life even if it means compromising their values. This code of ethics was something he shared with Pompey.

Concoy was recently in the news urging the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to sue PAGCOR for failure to remit what is mandated by law to the government agency. The issue is close to Concoy’s heart because he was the principal author of R. A. 6847 that created the PSC in 1990.

Concoy said he defended the bill on the Congress floor and precisely stipulated that PAGCOR set aside five percent of its gross income for the PSC to avoid political squabbling and manipulation. But since 1997, the share has been arbitrarily slashed to 2.5 percent in total disregard of the law. Concoy said he estimated P5 Billion to be PAGCOR’s debt to the PSC.

Concoy said he understands why the PSC would be hesitant to sue PAGCOR out of respect for the President.

“But the PSC wouldn’t be suing the President,” he continued. “A law is being violated and there are people criminally liable for this offense. Something should be done to stop this and give sports its due.”

Concoy, a prominent lawyer like Pompey, said he’s proud of having played a role in establishing the PSC.

“I remember former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch visiting Manila many years ago and we in the POC met him at the Philippine Plaza,” said Concoy. “He knew about the PSC and why it was established. He didn’t see it as a vehicle for government intervention in sports. Rather, he saw it as a vehicle for development. We envisioned the PSC to be the conduit for government assistance to sports.”

Regarding his newly designated position as Comelec chairman of the POC, Concoy said he’s out to ensure the polls will be fair and square. The election is set Nov. 28 and the deadline to formalize candidacies is Oct. 29. Incumbent POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. is seeking a second term. Art Macapagal is also running for president.

Concoy, who is chairman of the POC arbitration committee, said he doesn’t anticipate a problem in the coming elections. He mentioned 40 ballots will be prepared with the names of every candidate to make it easy for the voters to just check their choices.

On another matter, Concoy said he couldn’t imagine a judge ruling against the SBP, which is recognized by both the POC and FIBA. It was a classic case of a judge failing to appreciate the ethics of sports. SBP’s authority is being challenged by a group of stakeholders identified with the discredited previous leadership. A temporary restraining order was obtained to stave off efforts to disenfranchise the SBP.

This kind of underhanded tactic is what makes Concoy’s blood boil. And, if his cousin were alive, Pompey’s too.