MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas has given his full, unbending support to his successor Abraham Tolentino when the latter runs for reelection on Nov. 29.
“I’m solidly for the continuation of the programs of Bambol (Tolentino),” said Vargas during the FIBA Asia Cup qualifier duel between Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand that the host country won, 93-89, Thursday night at the MOA Arena.
“He’s (Tolentino) been able to help not only the POC stature, but bring up the stature of the POC and he also helps many athletes,” Vargas added.
In a chance interview, Vargas told The STAR that he is fully behind Tolentino, incumbent mayor of Tagaytay City.
“Of course. All the way,” said the chairman of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) and former POC chief.
Tolentino will run against baseball’s Chito Loyzaga in the POC polls which are held every four years or every Olympic cycle.
Vargas said Tolentino embodies what he envisions as the best person to lead Philippine sports.
“We need a man like him. That’s the reason I chose him to take over my place because I knew that we needed somebody strong, someone who knows politics and who can actually manage politics in any organization,” he said.
Vargas insisted on promoting harmony and unity within the POC.