TRO denied, POC elections to push through

RICKY Vargas’ attempt to stop the election of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) ran smack into a blank wall after the courts denied his application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) that seek to put the scheduled elections on hold.

After the oral arguments last Tuesday and the submission of position papers last Wednesday, Pasig City RTC Branch 159 judge Elma Rafallo-Lingan junked Vargas’ plea to stop the POC Election that was scheduled this afternoon at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City starting at 1 p.m.

“This is a vindication for the POC Election Rules and our profound gratitude to our Comelec for steadfastly upholding our Constitution and By-Laws,” POC first vicepresident Joey Romasanta, who is also seeking a new term today, told Sun.Star Cebu.

The denial of the courts to grant a TRO means Jose “Peping” Cojuango Jr. is on his way to win another four yearterm as the country’s Olympic body head, the POC Comelec disqualified the candidacy of Vargas, the president of the Amateur Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (Abap) and his running mate Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentinto with finality on a 2-0, 1 abstained voting during the deliberation of the appeals.

Tolentino is the president of Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) president, was also disqualified because of his failure to attend general assemblies.

The question of “active membership,” which was the basis of the Comelec to disqualify Vargas and Tolentino from participating in the elections was left to be determined by the courts and set hearings on Dec. 9 and 16 to resolve its rightful definition of the contested term.

“We received the order of the court denying our application for Temporary Restraining Order on the POC elections. In the same order, the court set hearings for December 9 and 16, 2016 for the determination of the rightful definition of the term "active membership" which is the bone of contention in this case. Ergo, the issue has not been settled with finality.

We will await the resolution of this case,” Vargas said in a press statement.

But being disqualified and defeated in the court of law, doesn’t mean Vargas’ group will also lay down their cards.

His “headless” ticket is still going to battle today with Cong. Alfredo Benitez (badminton) challenging Romasanta, Gen. Lucas Managuelod of Muay Thai seeking the 2nd vice-presidency spot and Renauld “Sonny” Barrios of basketball challenging Julian Camacho of wushu for the treasurer post.

Ting Ledesma, who was supposed to run under Vargas’ ticket withdrew his candidacy claiming that he did not give authority to include him as candidate for auditor.

“Cong. Tolentino and I seek the full support of all NSAs for these candidates. We need them to provide check and balance in the POC. We fought on the principle of change and we continue to bat for it. If you want change let your votes signify change. The Filipino athlete deserves no less. I thank everyone who joined us in this journey. Rest assured we will continue to champion the rights and values we believe in. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino!” added Vargas.