BY CHRISTINE MONCADA
IT’S still athletics chief Go Teng Kok listed as the candidate for the post of
chairman under the ticket of Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping"
Cojuangco Jr., who is seeking re-election on Nov. 26.
The controversial Go, however, yesterday stressed he will
gladly give way if the group decides to nominate somebody else for the post.
"I’m here if the group needs me. If they decide somebody else
is more deserving to run as chairman then I will give way," said Go.
Weightlifting chief Monico Puentevella is one of those being
wooed by Cojuangco’s camp to run as chairman but the Bacolod Representative has
yet to make his final decision. There are even reports he is considering running
as an independent.
Cojuangco’s camp has also offered the chairmanship to
shooting president and presidential candidate Art Macapagal, who is set to
challenge Cojuangco in the coming polls.
"Bukas pa rin naman ang offer na ’yun (for Art) but he said
(in the papers) that he’s not up to it. It’s his decision. This is just Mr.
Cojuangco reaching out," POC spokesman Joey Romasanta said yesterday.
"But if (Macapagal) will not agree, it’s up to him. We’re
keeping the position open for him for now but it’s not as if hindi aalis ang bus
kapag wala siya. On our part, the contest should only be to a certain point
because we all have to work together after the election," Romasanta added.
Earlier report said Macapagal will not cast his lots with
Cojuangco and push through with his plans to run for the POC top post. Another
former presidential candidate, Robert Aventajado of taekwondo, had reportedly
agreed to run as chairman under Macapagal’s ticket.
Go said Cojuangco’s camp will convene Wednesday night to
further discuss their roster.
Romasanta stressed, however, the final roster will not be completed this
week.
