Popoy Juico resigns as PATAFA chief

Popoy Juico has resigned as PATAFA president, but he becomes chairman emeritus. PSA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--A new age is set to usher in for the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association as Popoy Juico has resigned as the association's president.

PATAFA confirmed on Saturday that Juico, who has served the organization since 2014, tendered his resignation during its board meeting the day before at the Makati Diamond Residences.

Juico, who replaced Go Teng Kok as athletics chief, was supposed to serve his term until 2024, right after the Paris Olympics.

Instead, Terry Capistrano has been tapped to become the new PATAFA president and finish Juico's term.

Capistrano previously served PATAFA as its executive vice president and secretary general.

Despite this, Juico remains with PATAFA board as chairman emeritus.

“I am not leaving PATAFA or the sports community, as it is here where my heart lies but for now, I look forward to more family time and an opportunity to concentrate on personal and business interests and ventures and community advocacies,” Juico said in a statement.

With him at the helm, the Philippine athletics team achieved huge successes in the international scene.

Among the stars who arose during Juico's term are Eric Cray, Kristina Knott, and EJ Obiena.

However, Juico's resignation came a few months after PATAFA was embroiled in a controversy with Obiena due to allegations of unliquidated funds.

PATAFA and Obiena have since eventually patched things up, paving the way for the world number six pole vaulter to successfully defend his Southeast Asian Games championship in Hanoi last month.

In spite of this, Juico vowed, “The PATAFA shall always remain steadfast to its core values of integrity, honesty, competence and sincerity, the same values required of all PATAFA athletes, coaches and other stakeholders.”

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