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| From being a tandem in POC, Bambol Tolentino and Pato Gregorio will work hand-in-hand again both as chiefs of the POC and PSC, respectively. POC (file photo) |
MANILA—The appointment of Patrick “Pató” Gregorio is more than a breath of fresh air for Philippine sports, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“Our gratitude to our beloved President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.],” said Tolentino on Sunday, a day after news of Gregorio’s appointment spread like wild fire with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirming the appointment to Malacañang reporters on Saturday.
“The POC and PSC can now move forward—a brighter sports community that works harmoniously,” Tolentino said. “Mabuhay ang sports ng Pilipinas!”
Gregorio replaced Richard Bachmann to become the third chairman of the government’s sports arm—the first was former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Noli Eala—during President Marcos Jr.’s term.
He’s the 13th chairman of the agency that was established in 1990 through Republic Act 6847.
Tolentino and Gregorio have gone a long way together in Philippine sports—Tolentino in chess, shooting, muay and cycling before becoming president of the POC and Gregorio in basketball, boxing and basketball before heading the rowing association.
In 2018, Tolentino was chairman and Gregorio was secretary-general of the POC and only last year, Tolentino named Gregorio chef de mission of the Paris Olympics after Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla was recalled to attend to pressing matters in the country.
And only last April, Tolentino, the PhilCycling president, and Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH, collaborated for the very successful “Great Revival” of the Tour of Luzon.”
“Finally, unity,” Tolentino said.
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