Malacañang finally kicks Fianza out of Philracom

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday announced that retired police officer Florencio Fianza has been relieved as head of the Philippine Racing Commission. A radio dzBB report also quoted Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye as saying his son-in-law, lawyer Jose Fernando Roxas, Philracom board director, was named as the Philracom officer in charge. The report further said Fianza's removal from the post was caused by the boycott staged by horse owners and breeders who demanded for a total revamp in the Philracom. It also said Ermita made the announcement despite the absence of document stating Malacañang's decision. The Metropolitan Race Horse Owners (MARHO), Philippine Thoroughbred and Breeders Organization (Philtobo) and Klub Don Juan de Manila (KDJM) on Friday boycotted the races at the Santa Ana Park in Makati City and San Lazaro Leisure Park (SSLP) in Carmona, Cavite, threatening to continue their protest until Fianza and the members of his board all resign from their post or are replaced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, who acted as spokesman of the group, earlier said there would be no races for this week. He said he would personally meet the President to hand over a letter detailing their complaints. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said no date has been set for the meeting yet. Among their complaints were the alleged mismanagement and incompetence of the Philracom leadership. Apart from Fianza, the other members of the Philracom board are Eddie Jose, Boboc Domingo, Eyot Fernandez and Vergel Santos. - GMANews.TV