Philta takes step toward unity

The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) yesterday moved toward a resolution to its leadership woes when some of its stakeholders decided to draft amendments to its old bylaws in order to conform with the International Olympic Committee charter.

Anil Kumas Khanna of India, president of the Asian Tennis Federation and vice president of the International Tennis Federation, graced a reconciliatory meeting attended by Philta president Antonio Cablitas and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco.

During the two-hour meeting at the Century Park Hotel, the tennis officials agreed to form a committee to be headed by Parañaque Mayor and and former Philta president, Edwin Olivarez to draft the amendments to the Philta by-laws.

Olivarez was described as “the unifying factor” in this process.

Among the major issues to be clarified is the membership of the country’s governing body in tennis, and determine who among the various associations and regional groups within the country can vote in the next Philta elections.

Once the amendments are drafted, it will await approval of the Philta board of trustees before it is presented to the POC, which will determine if it conforms with the IOC charter, and the ITF. Then Philta can hold its elections, which may come in less than two years, to be followed by the POC recognition.

Cablitas’ leadership is being disputed by another group headed by businessman and tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier, who was represented during the meeting by his lawyer.

Khanna said the meeting being attended by Cojuangco and POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros is a very good sign. He said whatever transpired during the meeting will be reported to the ITF.

“I’m happy that Philippine tennis people have realized that they have to change and have reforms and more involvement from major stakeholders. It’s a very welcome step. That is the only way tennis can grow. I’m very pleased we had the president of the NOC (National Olympic Committee). We all agreed to have reform process start,” he said.