Vargas gets new mandate as ABAP head

MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Vargas got a fresh mandate as president of the boxing association, which will now go by the name Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), during the group’s well-attended general assembly and election yesterday at the Quezon City Sports Club.

Vargas, who took over the reins of the former Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines in 2009, was elected to a new four-year term along with high-profile officials led by telco tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan as chairman and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as a new member of the 17-man board of trustees representing Region XII.

Cagayan de Oro Mayor-elect Oscar Moreno was reelected vice chairman and former Baguio City Mayor Peter Rey Bautista was voted vice president. National Capital Region’s JJ Vargas was appointed treasurer while Maynilad executive Patrick Gregorio was retained as secretary-general and former sportscaster Ed Picson was tapped as executive director anew.

Vargas, who detailed his accomplishments with a power-point presentation during his president’s report, took a glance at the past and addressed quickly what needed to be done in his second term.

“It’s been a tough, long journey, but we’re now seeing the fruits of our labor,” said Vargas, also the president of Maynilad Water Services Inc. “The task ahead is even greater, I know, but I believe that we’ll be up to the challenge. I’m very pleased with the confirmation and continued support by our colleagues at ABAP.”

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) executive Steve Hontiveros represented POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. during the affair and paid tribute to Vargas’ leadership.

“He did a good job in the past four years, and I know he’ll continue to do so,” said Hontiveros.

Prior to the election, the ABAP’s stakeholders decided on some matters.

Picson clarified before 25 of the 34 registered stakeholders represented in the proceedings that the word “amateur” was removed from the association’s name on the directive of International Boxing Federation (AIBA) president Dr. Wu Ching-Kuo. The AIBA chief has shunned the distinction between professional and amateur boxers.

The body also ratified the amended constitution and by-laws before the Board of Trustees convened behind closed doors to elect Pangilinan, Vargas and Moreno.