FENCING chief Celso Dayrit has instructed his allies to immediately launch their campaign to regain the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee from incumbent president Jose Cojuangco Jr., stirring a hornet’s nest in the sports community.

One of Dayrit’s backers, who requested anonymity, said one of their marching orders is to solicit the support of the "silent majority," referring to national sports associations that have chosen to be "neutral" within the POC.

As part of their efforts to woo voters to their side, former key officials of Dayrit are willing to give new faces a chance to serve in the powerful executive committee, stressing they will always support Dayrit even if they are not given positions within the organization.

"We want to seek the support of NSAs that have remained silent over the programs of the POC," said the source. "Some NSA leaders are inactive because they have not been given responsibilities. But we’ll include them in the executive committee, we know they could further strengthen the programs of the Olympic family."

Dayrit served as POC president in 2000 to 2004 but gave way when Cojuangco, the president of the equestrian federation, sought the position after the Athens Olympics. Dayrit’s known backers, among them Romy Ribano of squash, Tomas Carrasco of Triathlon, Benjie Ramos of rowing, Nestor Ilagan of dragon boat and Ligaya Manalang of archery, continue to support him.

Cojuangco, who officially announced his intention to run for a second term late last year, also has an array of supporters in Steve Hontiveros of bowling, Julian Camach of wushu, and Mark Joseph of swimming.

Insiders in the POC are convinced POC Chairman Robert Aventajado and POC Vice-President Monico Puentevella have plans to join the race and this could divide the backers of Cojuangco.

One of the crucial voters is Frank Elizalde, the International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines, who can cast a vote if a deadlock ensues between or among the candidates.

Both Dayrit and Cojuangco also can’t ignore controversial athletics chief Go Teng Kok who has repeatedly claimed he has the support of 11 NSA chiefs in the 42-person POC general assembly.

One of Dayrit’s backers, however, said while Go could help the bid of Dayrit, Go will not be guaranteed of anything in return for his support.