Triathlon chief Carrasco to run for POC chairman as incumbent prexy Tolentino unveils full slate

Steve Hontiveros, middle left, is eyeing a reelection bid as POC chairman, while Cynthia Carreon-Norton is running for POC treasurer. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Tom Carrasco will be vying for the chairmanship of the Philippine Olympic Committee as incumbent president Bambol Tolentino unveiled his full slate on Saturday.

Carrasco, the founding president of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, headlines the list of additions to Tolentino's electoral team for the POC election set on Nov. 27.

Carrasco will challenge incumbent chairman Steve Hontiveros of the Philippine Handball Federation, who is part of Clint Aranas' own team.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carreon-Norton will run for treasurer, while PBA legend Chito Loyzaga, representing the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, is eyeing the auditor spot.

Also part of Tolentino's ticket as board members are Muaythai Association of the Philippines secretary general Pearl Managuelod, Philippine Judo Federation president Dave Carter, renowned sports doctor George Canlas, the head of the United Philippine Surfing Association, and Tolentino's fellow congressman Butch Pichay of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

Tolentino earlier announced that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and Philippine Fencing Association chief Richard Gomez will be his vice presidential candidates.

Panlilio will battle former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Philip Juico of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association for first vice president.

Meanwhile, Gomez, also the mayor of Ormoc, will face off with Philippine Rugby Football Union's Ada Milby for second vice president.

Milby is initially running as an independent, but Aranas on Wednesday said that he is adopting her to his own ticket.

Aranas then said that he is also adopting Managuelod to his slate although being officially part of Tolentino's squad, making her a cinch to clinch a board member spot.

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