PSC commish Fernandez says Peping "killed freedom" after disqualifying Vargas from POC election

From Senator Alan Cayetano's Facebook page

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez expressed his disappointment after the POC upheld its initial decision to disqualify former ABAP chair Ricky Vargas from challenging incumbent POC president Peping Cojuangco for the said post.

In a statement on Monday night, hours after the POC made the Vargas disqualification final due to non-active participation, the PBA's "El Presidente" said, "Peping missed his chance to be on the right side of history by choosing to desperately cling to power notwithstanding strong and unmistakable calls for change in the POC leadership. By doing the unfair and unpatriotic act of hiding behind the skirt of technicalities, Peping and his minions killed freedom and democracy in Philippine sports."

With Vargas disqualified, Cojuangco is now a cinch to claim his fourth consecutive term as POC president as he will once again run unopposed, although he could also be subject to disqualification as PFF president Nonong Araneta will file his own protest regarding Cojuangco's reelection bid.

Fernandez also believes, "It is my personal opinion that... the way they have interpreted the election rules only in their favor, to perpetuate themselves in power, contrary to the code of ethics of the IOC."

He then vowed, "The working relationships of the PSC and POC must change for the sake of Philippine sports."

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