MANILA, Philippines - Unity was on top of the menu yesterday when the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines or Philcycling held its elections at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was unanimously re-elected Philcycling president while Philip Ella Juico was named vice president.
Tolentino, on top of Philippine cycling since 2008, earned a fresh four-year mandate.
For some time, Tolentino and Juico, the ex-chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, disputed the leadership of Philippine cycling.
The dispute often caught the Filipino cyclists, particularly members of the national team, in the crossfire. It’s about time the two factions came together for the good of the sport.
“This is a great starting point of Philcycling,” said Tolentino after the elections personally witnessed by Philippine Olympic Committee chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and POC spokesman Jose Romasanta.
Asian Cycling Confederation secretary-general Choi Boo Woong was also present during the exercise presided by former Philippine cycling chief Bert Lina.
Ninety-six of the 240 cycling clubs around the country were also represented, making it perhaps the biggest gathering of cycling officials in years.
“With regards to this election, it’s time to forgive and forget. We have to move on as one. We thank the POC and Mr. Juico,” said Tolentino.
He said first thing on hand for the Philcycling leadership is a thorough review of its membership, and how they could get rid of “fly-by-night” members.
Aside from Tolentino and Juico, also named to the Philcycling board were Lina as chairman; Oscar Rodriguez, treasurer; Jesus Arana, auditor; Atty. Avelino Sumagul, sec-gen; and Jojo Villa, executive director.
The other members of the board of trustees are Cornelio Baylon, Froilan Dayco, Gregorio Larazabal, Pablito Sual, Paquito Rivas, Modesto Bonzo, Lorenzo Lomibao, Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez Jr., Carlos Gredonia and Juancho Ramores.
“We have to thank the leaders of this association, Mayor Bambol and Dr. juico, for leading this unification,” said Cojuangco.
“This sport has a real good potential. It is one sport that we can excel. The lone Asian entry in BMS cycling for the London Olympics is a Filipino (Daniel Caluag).
“I talked to them individually. I told them they’re going nowhere with this problem. They have to work together,’” said Cojuangco.