PSC wants transparency in selection of athletes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission is calling for transparency among the different national sports associations regarding the selection of athletes representing the country in various international competitions.

Chairman Richie Garcia of the PSC particularly mentioned the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines following suggestions from some sectors that they are being left out when it comes to the selection process.

“There should be tryouts or qualifying tournaments among all boxing clubs in the country so we can choose the best. Whoever wins the qualifying will represent the country. I see wisdom in this approach,” said Garcia yesterday.

Garcia said he recently spoke to Antonio Aldeguer of the famed ALA Boxing Club in Cebu, and got the impression that through the years the Philippines may be missing out on amateur boxers with strong chances of winning medals.

Two of ALA’s most prominent boxers, world title contenders AJ Banal and Milan Melindo, said that they turned pro early because they felt they were not given the chance and the proper break while they fought as amateurs.

“Palakasan dyan (There’s favoritism),” said Melindo, who fought close to 600 fights in 11 years as an amateur fighter in Cagayan de Oro but never got to wear the national colors even in the Southeast Asian Games.

Banal, who will eye the world title on Oct. 20, never made it to the national team despite winning the gold in the 2002 Palarong Pambansa.

In some NSAs, there also appear to be a clique among coaches and athletes coming from just one province or one particular region.

“Hindi na puwede yung basta kamag-anak o ka-probinsiya lang. This practice must stop that if you’re not in (the clique) you’re out,” said Garcia, adding that he will soon make the suggestion to the different NSAs.

“If an athlete from the province beats a member of the national pool he will represent the country. And once he returns home he goes back to the province and continue his training there under his regular coach,” said Garcia.

This way, the athletes will not be dislocated from their families, their schools and their home.

“If you beat a member of the national team, it only means that they’re doing the right thing,” said Garcia.

“This can also be done in the other sports. If there is someone in the provinces who can jump longer than Maristella Torres then she represents the country. I hope this approach can be followed,” he added.

The PSC chief said this should not be construed as government intervention but a mere suggestion. He said the NSAs will still be the ones to run and supervise the qualifying tournaments among the aspirants.

He expects the different NSAs to welcome the suggestion.

“It will show the character of NSA if they object to this. Kung matalo ang boxer mo bakit hindi mo matanggap na may mas magaling?” Garcia asked.