IOC ethics limits Mikee’s TV, movie, ad commitments

MANILA, Philippines - The International Olympic Committee, the biggest and most prestigious body in sports, has a very strict code of ethics for all members to observe, follow and practice.

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski of the Philippines, who was recently elected as IOC member, yesterday said there’s no exception to the rule set by the IOC.

“You cannot violate the IOC code of ethics or you lose your job,” the 39-year-old equestrienne said during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

It was the first public appearance for Jaworski since she arrived from the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires where eight others were elected as new IOC members.

Jaworski, the only Asian among the group that includes the president of the United States Olympic Committee, said everybody went through the code.

“The book was this thick,” said Jaworski, motioning with her fingers like it was two inches thick.

Jaworski was asked how she could help the Philippines as a member of the IOC, and she said there are great limitations to what she could do.

She explained that she cannot work on IOC subsidies or implement programs that would benefit the Philippines in its search for the elusive Olympic gold.

“I cannot make that happen,” said Jaworski, who graced the forum with her father, Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco, and POC vice president Jose Romasanta.

“The POC knows what to do. Our athletes know what to do,” she added.

Jaworski said the IOC is aware of her background as an actress, television host and product endorser, and part of the code is for her to inform the IOC of any personal projects even before she accepts them.

“I can still make movies but potential product endorsements will have to be cleared first with the IOC. And when I face the media I cannot just make certain comments (on certain issues),” she added.

Upon her arrival from Buenos Aires last Friday, Jaworski said “it’s not my job to put up the IOC programs but to share the wisdom of the IOC.”

Jaworski, a gold medalist in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, will soon replace Frank Elizalde as IOC representative to the Philippines.

“We should recognize the efforts of Mr. Frank Elizalde and the respect he earned as an IOC member. If not for his good showing our country will not enjoy the same recognition,” she said.

The POC president said it’s such a privilege for the Philippines to continue to enjoy the IOC recognition.

“To have a Filipino as member puts the Philippines in the world of sports. We are there. That in itself is an honor for the country. It puts our country in a position of importance,” said Cojuangco.

He also brushed off suggestions that he had something do with his daughter’s election.

“The IOC is of heavy caliber. You cannot just influence the members there. These are people who speak their own minds and there’s no way things can be manipulated. I doubt it,” he said.