POC chief Vargas thanks PSC chair Ramirez for "personal sacrifice" in accepting SEAG CDM role

For POC president Ricky Vargas, PSC chairman Butch Ramirez is the "most qualified" for the SEA Games CDM job. PSC

By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—A day after initially declining an offer to become the chef de mission for the Southeast Asian Games, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez made a surprise retraction and accepted the role.

[Related Story: PSC chair Ramirez makes 180-degree turn, takes SEAG chef de mission spot]

And Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas is very happy about it.

"I thank PSC chairman William 'Butch' Ramirez for his personal sacrifice in coming to a difficult decision reconsidering his appointment as chef de mission to the 30th SEA Games," Vargas said in a statement on Wednesday.

In a press conference that took place at the PSC Conference Room within the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Vargas said that he thinks Ramirez has all the attributes that are enough to replace Monsour Del Rosario among many others deserving of the CDM spot.

"We have a lot of respect for our chairman, and we feel that at this point in time that we're holding the Southeast Asian Games in the country, he is the most qualified to handle this job," Vargas said.

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