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By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Chito Loyzaga, who is running against incumbent Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency in polls set Nov. 29, said they have adopted basketball’s Al Panlilio and surfing’s Raul Canlas as part of their roster because they believed in the integrity of both candidates.
“We believe that Panlilio and Canlas have the leadership qualities needed to contribute to a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent POC,” Loyzaga said in a statement released on Saturday, Nov. 2.
“Their addition to our list was meant to highlight their capability to further the interests of Philippine sports and the well-being of our athletes. Our actions were always intended to promote transparency and support a democratic process where every candidate is recognized for their commitment and dedication to sports development,” he added.
Loyzaga, however, clarified that official records for the POC election are the candidacy documents submitted to the POC Administration and Election Commission.
“Press releases, such as ours, serve the purpose of informing and promoting candidates to all National Sports Association (NSAs),” Loyzaga said.
Last Oct. 30, Loyzaga announced his lineup for the polls that included Panlilio and Canlas as first Vice President and treasurer, respectively. Interestingly, the said two officials were also part of Tolentino’s lineup for the same positions which was released the day before.
Panlilio and Canlas stressed their commitment to run under Tolentino’s ticket.
“I’m committed only to Philippine sports, to the Filipino athletes and to the leadership of Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, who did a good job, and we are hoping to make it better or sustainable in the upcoming years,” said Panlilio.
Canlas echoed the sentiment, adding, “[Tagaytay City] Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino has proven himself as an effective leader.”
Under Tolentino the last four years, the country has won three gold medals in two Olympics that bridged one cycle, four Asian Games gold medals, and an overall championship in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.