New PSC board coming in soon

Even if he is asked, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia will beg off from making any recommendations regarding the composition of the next PSC board.

Garcia’s term as chief of the government sport agency ends when President Aquino steps down and incoming President Rodrigo Duterte takes his oath on June 30.

The terms of the PSC board, all appointees of the President, are co-terminus with that of the latter.

Based on his long experience in the PSC board, first as commissioner in 1998 under the Estrada administration then as chairman in 2010 under the Aquino administration, Garcia said the incumbent chairman does not make recommendations. “No,” said Garcia yesterday. “The chairman is not asked for a recommendation. They (new administration) receive their own recommendations,” added the PSC chief. The President enjoys the free hand in filling up the positions. But it may take some time before a newly elected President to name the members of the new PSC board – from the chairman to the four commissioners. The chairman then appoints his executive director. Garcia said he doesn’t expect incoming President Duterte to delay the appointment, considering that there is the Rio Olympics in August.

“I am sure by the first week of June they will have a new one (board),” said Garcia.

Also stepping down from the PSC by the end of June are commissioners Salvador Andrada, Iggy Clavecilla, Jolly Gomez and Akiko Thomson-Guevara. Atty. Guillermo Iroy is the current executive director. Garcia said once the new board is named, by the first week of June as he expects, a transition period takes place just in time for the oath-taking.

“Yes, there’s a transition period where we will turn over to the new board pending programs and budget and others,” he said.

Garcia could not name names as to who might succeed him as PSC chairman or who might comprise the board of commissioners but said by this time, there should be some jockeying for the positions. “I think so,” he said. Former PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, who headed the sports agency under the Arroyo administration, is very close to Duterte, being a Davaoeño.

But sources said Ramirez is no longer interested in the top PSC post.

This early, names of applicants and those being recommended for the job are being submitted to Malacañang. In no time, they should be piling up.

Sources said an incumbent commissioner has applied for the post of PSC chairman.