AFTER cracking the whip on delinquent national sports associations (NSAs), Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez shifted his focus on overstaying and ageing officials who continue to cling to their positions.
“I was still in the province [Davao] during my humble beginnings that some of them are already sitting in their positions [as NSA heads],” Ramirez told an audience composed of sports coordinators from different regions who cheered in approval. “Give those posts to the young ones so we can move forward. They have held it [NSA positions] for a very long time.”
Ramirez did not name names but he was apparently referring to the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), which is under fire after long-time president, Salvador Andrada, reneged on his promise to vacate his position.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) was doused with the same criticism after Jose Cojuangco Jr. ran for the presidency anew last November. Cojuangco is 82 years old and Andrada is 81.
Ramirez, 66, also told the Philippine Sports Institute Strategic Planning for Coordinators forum on Thursday at the PhilSports Complex that three NSAs will be muddled with leadership controversies. These are bowling, volleyball, swimming and table tennis.
The Philippine Bowling Federation was formed to combat the Philippine Bowling Congress, while the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. has been jostling with the Philippine Volleyball Federation.
Swimming has its head above water with the dispute between the Philippine Swimming Inc.—formerly Philippine Amatuer Swimming Association—and the Philippine Swimming League.
Officials of the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI), meanwhile, met with regional coordinators to discuss their responsibilities in shaping future athletes through a premier grassroots development program.
PSI National Training Director Mark Velasco welcomed more than 40 coordinators who committed themselves as volunteers for sports development.
The PSI also tapped Olympic silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco and former long jump queen Elma Muros Posadas as consultants.