POC: PABA polls ‘work in progress’

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Olympic Committee vice president Joey Romasanta yesterday said the long-delayed election at the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (Paba) is a “work in progress” with steps preparatory to holding a POC-sanctioned voting already being made by concerned parties.

Reacting to the accusation of Paba exec Ely Baradas who blamed the POC of stalling the polls, Romasanta said they are in constant communication with Paba secretary general Tom Navasero and interim president Marty Eizmendi and are even helping them meet the Olympic body’s requirements.

He also explained the POC’s reason for not sending a representative to the elections called by Baradas and his group, saying there was no request for such.

“First of all, we have not received any request for an observer (from Baradas’ group),” Romasanta said.

“Secondly, we’re talking to Navasero who told us he would be the one to relay what we’re talking about to the rest of the officials,” he added.

The POC has required the Paba to craft a new constitution compliant to the International Olympic Committee format.

“The election is a work in progress. A new constitution is being constructed which would be fair, democratic and will include as many stakeholders,” Romasanta said.

Baradas, the executive vice president before the demise of former Paba chief Hector Navasero, had said he was the rightful successor based on the association’s charter and expressed his willingness to call an election should the POC give its blessings at last.

“The interest and concern of the POC insofar as Paba is concerned is there,” stressed Romasanta. “In fact, our legal team is even helping them.”