PBA endorses Vargas as next PSC chair

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is endorsing Talk ‘N Text governor Ricky Vargas to be the next Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman. There are reports that Vargas is one of the candidates to head the government sports agency when leading presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino, assumes office next month. PBA chairman Lito Alvarez and league commissioner Sonny Barrios are one in saying that Vargas is the most qualified to head the PSC after chairman Harry Angping ends his term on June 30. Alvarez said Vargas, who is also a former PBA chairman, is a “consummate leader". “He’s (Vargas) proven that in many endeavors he has gone through. Philippine sports won’t go wrong with him," said Alvarez. “He is known for his management expertise. He can very well help Philippine sports." Barrios said that the TNT executive is the most qualified for the PSC post. “He is a true lover sports and has actual hands-on management experience in running different sports from basketball, boxing and taekwondo to name a few," said Barrios. “He will definitely be a big asset to Philippine sports but a loss to us in the PBA board since we will surely miss his wisdom and valuable inputs," Barrios added. Vargas is the current president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the (ABAP) Philippines and vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). Both national sports associations (NSA) are being supported by top sports patron and businessman Manny V. Pangilinan. Others candidates for the PSC post are ABAP vice president Manny Lopez, Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) president Steve Hontiveros, PSC commissioner Ritchie Garcia, former PSC chairman Philip Juico and former sports editor Clarito Samson. Vargas, who helped the PBA survive its financial troubles during the 2006-07 season, is the grandson of former Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (now Philippine Olympic Committee) president Jorge Vargas. – JVP, GMANews.TV