Coscolluela asks FEI to suspend EAP

MANILA, Philippines - Congresswoman Carissa Coscolluela, locked in a bitter tug-o-war with Jose “Peping” Cojuangco for the presidency of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines, has suggested to the Federation Equestre Internationale, the world governing body in the sport, to “withdraw recognition of the EAP as a whole.”

Coscolluela, who claims to be the rightful EAP head following his election last April 23, said the FEI temporarily pulling the plug on the EAP would allow the two warring factions to reorganize and then re-apply for recognition.

“The FEI has warned that if the dispute is not settled very soon, causing the EAP to cease to function properly, it may be forced to reevaluate the EAP’s existence within the FEI. I welcome this position,” said Coscolluela of Party List Buhay.

“I have suggested to the FEI before that they might consider withdrawing recognition of the EAP as a whole, and allow both sides to reorganize and re-apply for recognition. That way, we will be able to see which side truly has effective control of the sport in the Philippines,” she said.

The former member of the RP equestrian team said she is confident that the vast majority of the RP equestrian community would join and support them “because they have seen and felt our performance, and they know who truly is working for the good of the sport.”

Coscolluela sounded amused how the FEI has changed its position regarding the EAP leadership row, juggling its recognition between her group and that of Cojuangco’s.

The FEI stepped into the picture after Coscolluela and her board of trustees were elected last April 23, an exercise that was described as “illegal” by Cojuangco, president of the EAP since 2000.    – A. Cordero