Vargas on Peping ouster: Only in an orderly, legal, unified manner

Ricky Vargas, the amateur boxing chief who challenged Jose Cojuangco for the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency last year, yesterday aired his thoughts about the latest calls for Cojuangco’s resignation.

Vargas issued a statement sent to select NSAs (national sports association), saying his desire to see change in the POC leadership remains but added that those calling for Cojuangco’s resignation must carry “a common desire for improved performance, profess love of country, and care for our athletes.”

“To effect change,” Vargas said, “there should be a non-partisan attitude. However, I seriously doubt if this can easily be achieved based on relationships, alliances and sense of gratitude. However, we must strive to take blind partisanship out of our system,” he said.

Efforts to oust Cojuangco, who became POC president by acclamation in 2004, have become personal to some of those seeking the action, and have led to court cases being filed.

Vargas sought to run as POC president in November last year but was disqualified by the POC elections committee for failure to meet certain requirements, including regular presence and attendance in the POC general assembly.

A case filed by Vargas against his disqualification is pending in court, and the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines is hoping that the case “will be resolved soon so appropriate action may be undertaken for everyone’s benefit.”

Vargas also said in his statement that he is “willing to relinquish my own personal plans (POC presidency)” as long as he sees change in the POC leadership.