Araneta steps aside for Vargas

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta has dropped his plans of running as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee when it holds elections on Nov. 25.

Instead, the former captain of the Philippine football team will throw his full support on Ricky Vargas, head of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines.

Vargas said he will challenge incumbent POC chief Jose “Peping” Cojuangco if the group of NSAs (national sports associations) seeking changes in the POC taps him as their candidate.

Araneta, PFF president since 2010, had indicated his desire to seek the POC presidency, and was about to file his candidacy today or four days before the deadline.

But the highest football official in the land had a change of heart.

“I won’t file anymore. I will be supporting Mr. Ricky Vargas who is definitely running for POC president,” Araneta told The STAR following his decision.

“I am not seeking any position. I will give my full support to Ricky Vargas,” he added.

With Araneta giving way, Vargas is expected to file his candidacy as soon as possible. It’s not clear, however, if he is forming a ticket for the coming POC elections.

Aside from the presidency, there are other key positions up for grabs in the POC elections, including those for chairman, first vice president, second vice president, treasurer and auditor. The POC president is given the free hand to name his secretary-general.

Cojuangco is fielding a full ticket in the Nov. 25 elections.

Vargas said he is currently talking to the group of NSAs seeking change in the POC leadership.

The 82-year-old Cojuangco is seeking a fourth term as POC president since being elected as head of the local Olympic body by acclamation in 2004.

Jose Romasanta, the POC first vice president, welcomed news that Vargas has made himself available to challenge Cojuangco in the elections.

“There’s no problem with that. It’s a welcome development that there are others who are interested in the presidency,” he told The STAR.

“It’s the pillar of Olympism and a sign that we are observing the democratic process in the POC,” added Romasanta.

Once Vargas files his candidacy, the POC Commission on Elections headed by former International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Frank Elizalde will decide whether or not the boxing chief is a qualified candidate.

Under POC rules, a candidate for chairman and president must be a sitting president of an NSA representing an Olympic sport for at least four years, and must be actively participating in the POC general assembly.

Vargas has been ABAP president since 2008 but because of his very tight schedule has not been attending the general assembly on a regular basis.

Whether he’s considered an “active member” is up to the committee on elections that include Congressman Conrado Estrella III and Bro. Bernie Oca.