MANILA – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez on Thursday assured that the 30th Southeast Asian Games will proceed as scheduled from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year despite the resignation of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas.
“The 30th Southeast Asian Games will push through,” Ramirez said in a press briefing at the PSC office in Vito Cruz, Manila on Thursday.
Ramirez said he met with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who related President Rodrigo Duterte’s instructions to him.
“The President is aware of the issues but directed us to keep our focus on the athletes and let the others sort out their issues within their ranks,” Ramirez said.
“We must isolate our athletes from all these issues so they can focus on their mission,” he added.
Ramirez, also the Chef de Mission of Team Philippines in the SEAG, said the PSC is committed to remain resolute on its purpose to guide and support Team Philippines’ preparations and campaign in the SEA Games.
He reiterated his call to all concerned officials to unite “for the sake of our athletes”.
“Let’s focus our 100% on the big tasks at hand,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez is set to host a fellowship assembly between the NSAs, national coaches and athletes on July 5.
Vargas tendered his irrevocable resignation as POC president on June 18 to give “other sports leaders who have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively”.
POC chairman Abraham Tolentino on Thursday said he intends to call a special election for the position vacated by Vargas during the scheduled general assembly on June 25.
Tolentino made this announcement following reports that POC first vice president Joey Romasanta will take over Vargas’ position.
Under the POC by-laws specifically Article 7 Section 6, Tolentino said a special election may be called by the Chairman within 30 days from the date the vacancy arises if the named successors – first vice president and second vice president — are not qualified to succeed.
He explained that Romasanta is not qualified because he is not an incumbent president of an Olympic sport or national sports association (NSA) while second vice president Antonio Tamayo is president of soft tennis, which is not an Olympic sport.
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