Pato Gregorio 'grateful' for Bongbong Marcos' trust as he takes over PSC leadership

New PSC chairman Pato Gregorio said that he is grateful to president Bongbong Marcos for giving him the said position. PNA (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Incoming Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio expressed his gratitude to president Bongbong Marcos for entrusting him with his new position.

In a statement early Sunday, Gregorio, the incumbent president of the Philippine Rowing Association, vowed that he will repay Marcos' trust by assuring a smooth leadership of the PSC.

"It is my honor and privilege to serve as the chair of the Philippine Sports Commission. I am grateful for the President’s trust and will do right by it," said Gregorio.

With the Philippines showing its might in sports in recent years like Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo's Olympic weightlifting gold in 2021, Carlos Yulo's Olympic gymnastics double golds last year, and Alex Eala's silver medal finish in the Lexus Eastbourne Open on Saturday night, Gregorio said that he is drawing inspiration from the said achievements as he now looks to do the same for the Philippine athletes.

"Let my leadership inspire as I have been inspired by the sheer potential in Philippine sports—to build and to strengthen this proud nation. Karangalan ko ang magsilbi sa bayan at sa mga atleta ng bayan," Gregorio further said.

Gregorio will replace fellow former PBA board member Dickie Bachmann as PSC's new chief as confirmed by executive secretary Lucas Bersamin on Saturday.

However, there is no exact date as to when Gregorio, who even became the PBA board chairman in 2014, will make his first day in his new office.

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