Embattled wushu chief reconsiders, to seek another term

MANILA, Philippines – Embattled Wushu Federation Philippines (WFP) president Julian Camacho is rethinking his earlier position of not seeking another term when the federation holds its election late this month. “I’m now thinking of running again as president of WFP. With what other individuals have been doing to me, I’m seriously reconsidering my earlier decision to leave the sport," said Camacho, whose leadership is being contested by disgruntled members of the WFP. Camacho’s rivals had already ousted him in an election last year, installing David Yang as chairman and Alvin Tai Lian as president. However, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) had continued to recognize Camacho, who had called for a new election this month. Making Camacho change his mind about running again is the recent development that dragged the wushu athletes to the mess. Recently, 35 members of the national team - athletes, coaches and students - signed a petition pledging their loyalty and support to the newly-elected officers. Among the signatories were sanshou bets Mariane Mariano, Rhea Rifani, Mary Jane Estimar, Jennifer Laguilag, Edward Folayang, Mark Eddiva and taolo artist Pedro Quina and Daniel Parantac as well as Asian gold medalist and current coach Rene Catalan. Camacho, however, maintained that the move was instigated by his rivals, and was part of a smear campaign to get him out of office. “The players were forced to sign the petition last April 4 and they were threatened of being removed from the national team if they don’t do so. Some of them even called me up and told me they were sorry but could not do anything," explained Camacho incidentally sits as treasurer of the POC. He added that the election he earlier announced and set late this month will push through under the supervision of the POC. “I’m just finalizing some documents pertaining to our SEC Registration (a requirement for the POC to recognize an election) but the election will push through. And don’t be surprised if I seek another term," said Camacho, who maintained he still commands the support of majority of the wushu members throughout the country. –GMANews.TV