Go to seek POC post vs Peping

MANILA, Philippines - Athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday bared his intention to challenge Jose “Peping” Cojuangco for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency in November.

“I will run against Mr. Cojuangco even if I know I don’t have a chance of winning,” the controversial and yet influential sports figure told The STAR yesterday.

The long-time president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association said that immediately after he sent out feelers of his intention he got a tremendous response.

“I received over 50 text messages of support from my friends in the sports community and even those from other countries,” said Go over the telephone.

“I’m doing this to wake up fellow NSA (national sports associations) leaders to step up the plate and bring in the much needed change.

“My declaration is a wake-up call to all NSA heads. And if anyone among them decides to run, I will give way and support him instead,” he added.

In 2000, Go ran for POC president but fell short against fencing chief Celso Dayrit. Then in 2004 he supported the candidacy of Cojuangco who won by acclamation.

Go was still behind Cojuangco when the former congressman from Tarlac edged shooting head Arturo Macapagal for the top POC post in 2008.

But shortly after, Go had a falling out with Cojuangco. 

Over past few weeks, there was a strong clamor for businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, who heads the basketball association and supports a handful other NSAs, to seek the POC presidency.

But Pangilinan said he’s not interested, and would rather “stay neutral” in the POC elections.

Jose Romasanta, head of the karatedo association and spokesman for the POC, did not comment on Go’s latest challenge.

Romasanta will run for the post of POC first vice president when the local Olympic body holds its elections on Nov. 30.

But previously, Romasanta said anybody is entitled to run “as long as he is qualified.”

Cojuangco had also said he doesn’t mind if someone challenges him in the elections because there are so many things to focus on at the moment.

“There is too much to do in sports than think of the elections which is still two months away,” Cojuangco said.