Time for reconciliation

Whether you like it or not, incumbent Jose Cojuangco Jr. will serve a fourth four-year term as POC president up to 2020. He received a fresh mandate after the POC elections at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club last Friday. His entire ticket scored a resounding victory in the polls which would’ve been stalled if the Regional Trial Court of Pasig issued a Temporary Restraining Order as sought by disqualified candidates Rep. Abraham Tolentino and Ricky Vargas.

There will be court hearings on Dec. 6 and 19 to resolve the issues raised by Tolentino and Vargas on the grounds for their disqualification. But whatever is finally decided by the court on the interpretation of “active membership in the General Assembly” as a requirement for a candidate’s eligibility will impact on the next POC elections. The resolution will not be retroactive so the results of last Friday’s polls will not be affected, one way or the other. Looking forward, it’s important that the debate on the interpretation is resolved with finality because if not, the nightmare will recur four years from now when Cojuangco’s term expires. By then, Cojuangco will be 86 and not likely to seek a fifth mandate although you can never be sure.

It would’ve forced the hand of the POC Comelec, chaired by IOC honorary member Francisco Elizalde, to defy the court order if the TRO came through. Elizalde had previously said the elections would proceed with or without the TRO. The threat of the IOC suspending the POC for government intervention would’ve hung in the balance in the event of a TRO. That threat was extinguished with the court ruling against the TRO.

The court’s decision shouldn’t detract attention from the necessity of resolving the issue of interpreting “active membership in the General Assembly.” Just because the TRO was denied shouldn’t mean the debate on the interpretation is moot and academic. Perhaps, to jump the gun on the court, the POC should amend its By-Laws and insert a clear-cut definition of “active membership in the General Assembly.” That would set the issue to rest. If the definition is physical presence in more than half of the General Assembly meetings in the last two years, then that’s what the By-Laws should stipulate. At the same time, it must be mentioned that physical presence is no guarantee of active participation. An NSA president may be physically present at a General Assembly meeting but sleep through the proceedings so his participation would be passive, not active.

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Now that the elections are over, it’s time to lock arms and get down to business. “My role is to put everybody together,” said Cojuangco after the counting. Although he ran unopposed, the campaign was bitter. Brickbats were hurled by opposing sides so that it has become critical to go through the healing process with a high degree of sensitivity.

For the losing and disqualified candidates, here are three things to consider. First, renew your commitment to the POC and actively participate in the General Assembly meetings. This may mean physically attending more than half of the meetings in a year and interacting with the body during discussions. It would show a spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to the Olympic movement.

Second, continue to support the sports you’ve backed before and branch out to other sports. Losing in the elections should fuel the resolve and determination to give more of yourself to sports. It would be a display of character. Third, step up the efforts to get the elusive Olympic gold medal. Boxing has accounted for five of the country’s 10 Olympic medals in history and four of the last five. The sport provides a clear path for a gold. As ABAP president, Vargas is committed to keep a sharp focus on capturing the country’s first Olympic gold medal, regardless of the outcome of the elections. He sets a strong example for losing candidates to stay the course.

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For the winning candidates, here are four things to consider. First, extend the hand of reconciliation to the losers and disqualified candidates. Recognize that they are partners in the Olympic movement and shouldn’t be ostracized or marginalized. Invite them to join important committees. It’s an opportunity to set an example for athletes that at the level of sports officials, there is a lofty regard for working together without discrimination.

Second, reach out to the PSC and develop a close working relationship. PSC chairman Butch Ramirez attempted to mediate the seething dispute between Cojuangco and Vargas before the elections. Vargas heeded his call but not Cojuangco. PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez publicly went against Cojuangco’s bid for a fourth term. So clearly, the POC and PSC must mend fences for Philippine sports to progress. They cannot work in isolation of each other, they must operate hand-in-hand.

Third, get rid of politics in the POC. There should be equal treatment for all NSAs and POC officials shouldn’t play favorites. It shouldn’t matter whether an NSA voted for this or that candidate. What matters is if an NSA has a program that deserves to be supported, then it should receive the appropriate backing. Fourth, set the records straight. The Senate and the House of Representatives are calling for separate hearings to look into alleged irregularities involving unauthorized disbursements from the PSC to the POC and unliquidated sums where certain POC officials are accountable. The POC must operate within an atmosphere of transparency so it’s imperative to clear whatever doubts may be raised by Congress.

Now that the voters have spoken, it’s time for the POC to close ranks. Winners and losers should get together to shake hands, leave the bitterness of the campaign behind and march forward as one body committed to the Olympic movement for the good of Philippine sports and for the sake of the Filipino athlete. That’s the challenge of the new order.