FENCING chief Celso Dayrit will seek the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee, a position he held in 2000 to 2004, when elections are held later this year.

This early, Dayrit, according to very reliable sources, is gearing up for an expected showdown with incumbent POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr., who ran unopposed in 2004 when Dayrit chose not to seek another term.

The two are expected to be challenged by a third candidate, possibly POC chairman Robert Aventajado or Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, currently the POC’s first vice president.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Dayrit announced his plan last week, adding: "We’re not interested whether Cojuangco will run or not. Whoever he’s up against, Dayrit will pursue his plan."

Dayrit counts on a lot of supporters in the POC’s 42-man general assembly, among them squash head Romy Ribano, rowing president Benjie Ramos, and triathlon chief Tomas Carrasco who have reportedly started mobilizing in support of Dayrit’s bid.

Cojuangco, who gained the support of most of Dayrit’s allies when he sought the POC presidency four years ago, one of them athletics chief Go Teng Kok, had announced his intention to seek reelection late last year to continue his pet projects.

Go, however, has had a falling out with Cojuangco, largely due to Cojuangco’s support in the formation of the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas last year. Go, who used to occupy a high position in the BAP, is reportedly urging Aventajado to join the fray.

"Go will always be there, but not this year. Maybe he will just choose a candidate who will promise to grant his requests, if that candidate wins. He could help, but we will not ask for it," said the source of Go, who claims to have the support of at least 11 national sports associations.

The controversial athletics chief once sought the presidency of the POC but was soundly thrashed.

Dayrit, closely allied with the late POC president Jose Sering, was never involved in any controversy with the local Olympic body during his stint as its top executive although he was accused of inaction in several sensitive issues.

Puentevella could be a possible candidate but his main drawback is that he doesn’t have his own clique among the NSAs.