RAMIREZ WILLING TO MEDIATE BETWEEN PEPING, RICKY

Philippine Sports Commission Chair William Ramirez has offered a neutral course of action for the contending parties in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections to settle their differences together.

Incumbent POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. is seeking a fourth consecutive term during the elections this Friday and boxing chief Ricky Vargas, who was earlier disqualified from seeking to replace Cojuangco, has been trying to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the entire proceedings.

“It’s getting messy,” said Ramirez, hoping that Cojuangco and Vargas would agree to sit down in his office today and settle the issue once and for all.

“As chairman of the PSC, I’m offering the two groups to meet in my office and talk like true sportsmen,” added Ramirez.

“I’m offering this before the POC can be suspended. It’s a last-ditch effort for the sake of our country, our athletes and our children.”

The camp of Vargas has sought a TRO from the Pasig Regional Trial Court, along with cycling chief and Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino, to prevent the POC from continuing with the polls.

Judge Elma Lingan heard the oral arguments of both parties and directed them to submit their respective position papers today. The court will come out with its decision on the application of the TRO tomorrow.

Tolentino was also disqualified by the POC election body from running as chair.

Once a restraining order has been served, Ramirez said it is already tantamount to government intervention and the Philippines may face sanctions.

Aside from a possible suspension from the International Olympic Committee, the Philippines will be prohibited from participating in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympics once the temporary ban is enforced.