Tac weighs options as shoot chief

MANILA, Philippines - Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla yesterday said he may or may not shoot for the presidency of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA).

“No plans yet as of now,” said the 47-year-old icon of Philippine shooting.

Padilla was asked if he had plans to run for president of the PNSA after reports came out yesterday that Mikee Romero is not seeking a full term as the association president.

Romero, who’s into basketball, shooting, polo and many businesses, was elected PNSA president in June 2011, and served out the remainder of Art Macapagal’s term.

Romero, owner of the multi-titled Harbour Center basketball team in the Philippine Basketball League, is qualified to seek a full four-year term this year.

But the youthful businessman-sportsman said he’d rather give the others a chance.

“I will be doing a disservice to the association if I continue to cling to my position while I’m out (of the country) most of the time,” said Romero.

After Macapagal, half-brother of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stepped down as PNSA president, Romero heeded calls for him to head the association.

Padilla had wanted to challenge Romero then, but decided otherwise for the sake of the sport, and ended up heading the PNSA’s grassroots development program.

Padilla said the PNSA will name its 15 board members in an election scheduled Feb. 16.

“We will have an election for members of the board. Then that board will convene in 30 days to elect the president,” said Padilla, always a force to reckon with in rapid fire pistol.

“I will give it (PNSA presidency) a serious thought after the elections on Feb. 16,” said Padilla.

An insider said Padilla first wants to see the composition of the board before he decides whether or not he will shoot for the presidency.

If he finds people he can work with, then Padilla will run for president.

“I haven’t decided on it,” Padilla said.

“I can run as president or simply support a candidate,” he said.