PASA: No suspension on members

MANILA, Philippines - Former Sen. Nikki Costeng said she got the assurance of Philippine Aquatic Sports Association president Mark Joseph yesterday that PASA members would not be sanctioned or suspended for joining the Great Pinoy Peace and Unity Swim set tomorrow, at 4 p.m. at the Diliman Preparatory School Swimming Center on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Coseteng got the assurance following reports that swimmers under PASA could not accept Coseteng’s invitation to the unity swim for fear of suspension from the PASA head.

PASA chief Mark Joseph confirmed he would not slap sanctions or suspend members of the PASA if they decide to join the Coseteng-run event aimed at breaking a world record.

“While PASA is not involved in the project, we have no objection to Ms. Coseteng’s efforts,” Joseph told The STAR.

Joseph though didn’t comment if it’s possible to unite with the Susan Papa-led group critical to his leadership.

It can be recalled that although Papa, who has long called for the resignation of Joseph and the drastic leadership change at PASA, had repeatedly invited Joseph and his group to unite even for this particular cause.

“I’ve invited him so many times, most of it through text, but he (Joseph) hasn’t replied to my invitation yet,” said Papa.

“Indeed the Great Pinoy Peace and Unity Swim being held under President Noynoy Aquino’s administration and PSC Chair Richie Garcia has brought Peace and Unity this Christmas in the Philippines Swimming community,” said Coseteng.

“Both PASA and Non-PASA coaches have committed to open hearts and minds to Break the Guinness World Record currently held by Italy with 5028 swimmers crossing an 18.3 meter pool one at a time in 24hours,” Coseteng said added.

The epic events also serves as the inaugural event of the Swimming Pool Complex at Diliman Preparatory School, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

“We promise to open our pool to young swimmers from which the next generations of Asian Games and Olympic Games medalists for the Philippines will come. We will do it with the support of all coaches, parents and swimmers under a strong developmental grassroots program that will be conducted at Diliman Prep School,” Coseteng said.