by Nick Giongco
Amid the seemingly never-ending politics that plague the Philippine Olympic Committee, POC president Ricky Vargas remains committed to ironing out the kinks within the organization as his leadership enters the last 20 months.
Vargas, who assumed the presidency in February last year, told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum yesterday that he has not made a decision yet on whether to seek another four-year term.
Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas (center) addresses a question during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Amelie Hotel-Manila on J. Bocobo St. in Ermita. Flanking him are POC Chairman Bambol Tolentino (left) and POC Communications Director Ed Picson.
(MB photo | Ali Vicoy)
“If I can no longer do the job, then I will prepare the organization (POC). Baka merong ibang tao na kayang gawin ito,” said Vargas during the weekly Q&A at the Amelie Hotel.
Vargas bared that presiding over the POC has been difficult, stressing that there are always threats to his leadership.
“Araw-araw merong coup,” he said, noting that he finds it hard to know who’s with him and who are plotting his downfall.
“At this point in my experience with the POC, parang ayaw ko na. Ang hirap,” said Vargas, who was joined in the forum by POC chairman Bambol Tolentino and boxing secretary-general Ed Picson.
“I think, where I am now, it’s kind of difficult to commit that I want to become president again,” he said, stressing that (despite your devotion to the job), you will be faulted for not achieving.”
Still, Vargas insists that what he is focused on is his devotion to his job as POC president and in settling disputes involving infighting national sports associations.
“But to finish my term, I am committed to that,” said Vargas, who is neck-deep in the country’s buildup for the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games towards the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Vargas said the number of Filipino athletes approved for inclusion has reached 1,895 followed by Indonesia with 1,718, Singapore (1,581) and Thailand (1,462).