Ramirez not retiring, weighs options in academe, politics

Stepping down as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission has opened a lot of windows for William “Butch” Ramirez.

“Now I can do more,” said the 57-year-old during an emotional and well-attended sendoff party with mediamen Tuesday evening.

Ramirez, whose dedicated 10-year stint in the government sports agency will be very hard to match, is all set to return home to Davao.

“There are so many opportunities waiting for me,” he said.

Returning to teaching, his first love, at the Ateneo de Davao, is just one of the options, which include a crack at politics.

Ramirez, who also started out as a basketball coach, is a close friend of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and they’re looking at 2010.

“Whatever Mayor Duterte wants. If he wants me to run as barangay captain, as councilor or as congressman, I’ll do it,” said Ramirez.

He said his stint at the PSC should serve him in good stead if and when he throws his hat into the political arena.

“It was like finishing a doctorate in politics. As commissioner and chairman of the PSC for 10 years, I learned about politics,” he said.

“It was not easy but it was an experience dealing with the sports officials and politicians as well... those in the Senate and the House.”

As vice chairman of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, he also gets to stay in sports, and he intends to continue playing a very active role in its development in Mindanao.

“There’s the Mindanao Friendship Games, the Mindanao Children’s Games and our effort to promote peace through sports,” he said.

Ramirez said if asked, he’d also be willing to help the Philippine Sports Institute, which he helped revive just recently.

“There’s life after the PSC, and again I’m thankful to those who helped me get there. People like Sen. Gregorio Honasan, Congressman Monico Puentevella, Mayor Duterte and of course President Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike,” he said.

Ramirez will be remembered for his humility.

In his 10 years with the PSC, he and his wife stayed at the athletes’ dorm at Philsports. He never enjoyed nightlife.

“I was always home before 8 p.m. and jogged with the athletes every morning. And I loved doing it,” said Ramirez, who got rid of his service Toyota FX only when he became chairman in 2004, and opted for a Hi-Ace.

“I came from very humble beginnings, and as much as possible I tried to stay that way. I can proudly say that me and my wife succeeded.”

Ramirez also loved playing golf on weekends, but of recent he has stayed away from the golf course.

“It has become a very controversial place to be seen nowadays – especially when you’re a government official. And also I realized it was taking so much of my time – imagine half a day just to play.

“So, I stopped playing. Now I get to read more books and be with my family more,” said Ramirez.

“That’s happiness for me.”