Wrestling group ousts embattled president, again

MANILA, Philippines – The Wrestling Association of the Philippines officially ended the term of embattled president Vincent Piccio as its general membership voted new officers Sunday, this time with the imprimatur of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). Fifty four members out of 74 attended the meeting and election held at the WAP gym located at the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine with Juan Alberto Balde taking the post of Piccio. The new officers were voted by acclamation with former SEA Games gold medallist Marcus Valda installed vice president, Alvin Aguilar treasurer and Kandice Mallonga as auditor. Karlo Sevilla was appointed as secretary-general while Jerry Faingason was named new head coach vice Rodrigo Falsario, a supporter of Piccio’s leadership. “These officers were also elected in the September 28 elections but it was not recognized by the POC because they failed to send a representative. But today, the election is legitimate since POC deputy secretary-general Salvador Andrada witnessed the proceedings," said Balde, who served as auditor when Piccio was elected in 2004. The group decided to hold its election after a face to face meeting with Piccio last Wednesday at the POC office. Balde’s group has filed criminal charges of graft and corruption and theft against Piccio and ex-chairman Manuel Espejo at the Manila Regional Trial Court. Balde alleged that Piccio failed to answer questions pertaining the equipment and allowances athletes should have received in past international tournaments that later led to the POC ordering them to conduct the election. Balde's election was upheld by Andrada. “I saw that the election was done based on their (WAP’s) Constitution and By Laws and that the membership was well represented," said Andrada. The immediate task of the new leadership is to conduct a National Open to discover new talents to join veteran wrestlers as the country prepares for the Laos SEA Games in December. Espejo has been removed as the association’s chairman but they the post was left vacant yet as officials said they are still “in search for the right guy who can help the WAP become a better association." Whether the WAP leadership problem has finally been resolved remains a big question mark since Piccio had earlier said he would not recognize the said activity and planned to hold his own election soon. –GMANews.TV