Hiso is new cycling chief in POC-backed election

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Olympic Committee (POC)-backed Rolando Hiso will be joining hands with sports patron Mikee Romero in PhilCycling’s quest to boost the sport in the country. Hiso was reelected as PhilCycling president in Saturday's exercise held at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City. The election was ordered by the POC board to end the leadership dispute between two cycling groups. Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Bambol Tolentino, who enjoys the support of the International Cycling Union (UCI), did not participate in the said election. Soft tennis president and POC board member Jeff Tamayo supervised the proceedings that also saw Harbour Centre owner Romero elected as chairman of the cycling body. The former amateur basketball godfather, who is also involved in arnis, was not present in the election since he is in the United States. He was however nominated and took one of the 15 board seats after he expressed interest to help cycling in a series of meetings with the group. “He told us that he is willing to help cycling so we nominated him to the board," said Armando Bautista, who was appointed by Hiso as PhilCycling’s secretary-general. “I hope this election will settle all the issues in our association. Anim na buwan matapos kaming mag-eleksyon ay heto at natapos din ang aming paghihirap," said Hiso. The POC has asked the 87 members who participated in the 2003 election to participate in the proceedings. Out of the 87, 52 voted including 33 proxy votes. A total of 18 names were placed as candidates to the 15-man board. Antonio Loy Cruz, Ricky Cruz, Ric De Guzman, Manolito Moring, Marcelino Abesamis, Cesar Filosopo, Cornelio Baylon, Ildefonso Vizmanos, Roy Arroyo, Arnold Taberdo, Bibliano Boy Laspuna and Reggie De Guzman joining Hiso, Romero and Bautista in the board. Ricky Cruz, president of the 3000-strong United Cyclist Association of the Philippines (UCAP), was elected as executive vice president. “I believe we will be recognized by the POC and the UCI. This is a legitimate election and was done fairly since the other group was also invited. It's just a pity that they did not show up," added Hiso, who was a former national player from 1967 to 1974. With the POC recognition forthcoming, Hiso said that he is now set to talk with the private sector to help him train current and future cyclists competing in the December Laos Southeast Asian Games to the 2012 London Olympics. He also has high respects for Romero based on his wide involvement in sports. “I had the chance to meet and talk to him and he is sincere in his desire to help this sport. With us working together, I truly believe a medal in the London Games is achievable." Hiso is also asking Tolentino's group to join hands in working for the betterment of Philippine cycling. – GMANews.TV