By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno | Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas made a surprise announcement on Monday by calling for an early election.
As per tradition, the general election of the POC happens right after a Summer Olympiad.
But in his speech during the general assembly, Vargas wanted the election to happen right after the Philippines finishes hosting the Southeast Asian Games, which will take place before Christmas.
“In January of 2020, right after the SEA Games, let us hold early POC elections for all elective positions,” Vargas said.
He said he called for an early election due to too much politicking in the organization, which include the holding of secret meetings that he did not approve.
One instance, according to Vargas, is a recent “special board meeting” without his consent.
The people in attendance, including former president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and current first vice president Joey Romasanta, resolved to hand Vargas a letter and give him five days to answer all the queries listed in the said letter.
“I am offended by it. I was insulted, vilified, and demeaned through insinuation, innuendo, and downright misrepresentation of facts,” Vargas said.
He then vowed that he will “campaign hard for deserving candidates, who will fight for reforms and good governance in POC.”
