MalacaƱang expresses support for current POC heads Vargas, Tolentino

POC president Ricky Vargas just got a major backing from no less than the national president himself. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The two men currently leading the Philippine Olympic Committee get a huge support from no less than the national executive branch.

On Tuesday night, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo issued a statement on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte expressing MalacaƱang's full support on POC president Ricky Vargas and chairman Bambol Tolentino.

Panelo also called on the POC to end its current debacle which for the presidential office could greatly affect the Philippines' hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.

"We call on everyone to insulate sports from politics," Panelo said. "We should be together rallying behind and supporting all the Filipino athletes who are set to compete in the games as we extend our world-famous warmth and hospitality to our brothers and sisters in the region who are coming to Manila either to participate and represent or cheer their nations."

On Monday, Vargas said during the POC general assembly that he is ruing the too much politicking within the organization, leading to a shakeup in some positions and a call for an early general election.

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