3-man race looms for PNSA top post

MANILA, Philippines - Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla is joining the shootfest for the PNSA presidency.

“I’m running,” said the 46-year-old marksman yesterday, three days after Arturo “Art” Macapagal stepped down as head of the Philippine National Shooting Association, which he’d headed since 2000.

Macapagal caught a lot of people by surprise when he resigned, and this early at least three names have cropped up as a replacement for the half-brother of former President Gloria M. Arroyo.

Mikee Romero, a member of the 2003 Philippine shooting team to the 2003 World Cup, has recently been associated with basketball, but has announced his intention to seek the PNSA top post.

“I’m here to help the sport close to me. Besides, there’s a clamor for me to run. Whatever is the decision of the group I will abide,” said Romero, team owner of the multi-titled Harbour Centre in the PBL.

Ildefonso “Boy” Tronqued, PNSA chairman since 2004 and Commodore of the Manila Yacht Club, is also eyeing the presidency this time. The STAR failed to get his comment yesterday.

“I heard he’s also interested. But he has yet to formally signify his intention to run. Regardless of who else is running, I will run. I am already committed to this,” said Padilla over the phone.

Senator Francisco “Chiz” Escudero, an avid shooter and sports advocate, can also join the race if he wants to, and if he’s eligible.

There are reports of infighting within the members of the PNSA.

“I just wish that after the election there will be unity among all members of the association,” said Romero, who may face some technicality in his bid for the presidency.

Padilla said under the PNSA by-laws, Romero is not qualified to run because he’s not a member of the board. But James Chua said he’s willing to give up his post for Romero, a lifetime member of the PNSA.

The PNSA is composed of five aggrupations (pistol, rifle, practical, moving target and non-Olympic events) and each group has three representations to the board, as directors.

Chua is with the moving target group, but even if he gives up his post, it cannot be passed on to Romero, according to Padilla. Instead, it will be Olympian Jimmy Recio who will move up.

“Under our by-laws, it will be Recio who will move up. He was number four in their group after the 2008 elections. If James Chua steps down, Jimmy Recio comes in,” added Padilla.

The other directors under the moving target group are Gay Josefina Corral and Dr. Adel Samson.

Padilla, a five-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, where he’s been a regular participant since 1977, said the PNSA chairman must call for an immediate board meeting.

“Mr. Tronqued must convene the board as soon as possible because there are immediate concerns, like the World Cup and the World Shooting Championships,” said Padilla.

He said he spoke to Macapagal the other day, and sought the latter’s blessing.

“I already asked for permission from Mr. Art Macapagal. I asked for his blessing, and he told me, ‘Ang tagal ko na sinasabi na ikaw ang dapat diyan (I’ve been saying that it’s you who should be there),’” said Padilla, son of the Olympian shooter, Tom Ong.