Puentevella: Arroyo could have averted POC, PSC rift

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella believes the ongoing rift between the country’s sports officials could have been averted if President Gloria Arroyo intervened to solve the problem. Puentevella said the disagreement between POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping could affect the performance of Filipino athletes that would compete in the 25th Southeast Asian Games next monght.

The former PSC commissioner said he has sought Malacañang’s help to end the conflict between Cojuangco and Angping. “I have talked with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita appealing for him to ask the President to intervene." Cojuangco and Angping have been at odds after both sports officials failed to agree in several policies implemented by the PSC chairman. "I suggested that President Arroyo summon both the PSC and POC in a meeting to help solve the problem. But they (Palace) did not listen to my suggestion," said Puentevella, who is also a three-term Rep. of the Lone District of Bacolod City. The conflict began when Angping, a known supporter of the President Arroyo’s half brother Art Macapagal, implemented a tough stand in sending and supporting Filipino athletes competing in international tournaments saying that he wants better results in public money being used for sports. Macapagal run and lost against Cojuangco in last year’s POC elections. Angping, a former softball president and Rep. of Manila’s third district, was appointed as the PSC chairman last February. Angping also decided to use past SEAG gold and silver medalist as the basis of their selection for the Philippine national team where only 153 passed the criteria. The POC, however, added 94 more athletes where the POC will be the one which will fund their trip to Laos. "I hope I’m wrong but I see a bleak scenario in Laos. We might be headed for our worst showing because of the conflict among our sports leaders," said Puentevella. Angping also predicted that the country could only win at least 20 gold medals. The Philippines is trying to bounce back after a worst sixth place finish in the 2007 Thailand SEAG with 42 gold, 96 silver and 91 bronze medals. – GMANews.TV