Romero calls out "pathetic" Cojuangco for "long overdue" POC reign

Mikee Romero has something to say to Peping Cojuangco. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Congressman Mikee Romero believes that the current leadership of the POC is already "long overdue."

"We need [a] new direction, new energy, and renewed focus," Romero, currently a member of the Philippine polo team, said in a statement on Monday, in which a copy was obtained by Dugout Philippines.

Interestingly enough, the statement came ahead of a very crucial week for the POC.

The POC is to hold its general assembly on Monday, while the said organization will hold its election on Friday.

Peping Cojuangco is seeking a fifth term as POC president, but for Romero, a former basketball player for La Salle and the team owner of GlobalPort in the PBA, he has seen enough.

"The longest-serving POC president has put the country’s sports program to its lowest ever records," Romero continued.

Romero cited the dwindling number of medals the Philippines has won in the Olympics, Asian Games, and the SEA Games over the past 13 years since Cojuangco assumed office in 2005 as a proof of what the "current pathetic POC president has done."

"His leadership and record is an insult to the blood, sweat, and tears our athletes, coaches, and their families have invested," Romero added.

He also called for a special audit of how the POC and the NSA's used the funds from PSC since 2005.

Meanwhile, about the POC elections, Romero said, "I see a special opportunity for sports leaders, athletes, trainers, schools, local government units, and parents to come together for a new chapter in Philippine sports powered by and grounded on firm grassroots development programs, inclusive leagues, and much, much less political animosities than we have unfortunately had before."

Ricky Vargas, the current head of ABAP and also leads the PBA Board of Governors, is challenging Cojuangco for the top post.

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