Search on for the next PSC chief

The guessing game is on as to who would be appointed as the next chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.

This early, there are names being mentioned and floated, including that of current PSC executive director, Atty. Guillermo Iroy, who hails from Davao.

Iroy, who held the same position under then PSC chairman William Ramirez in 2005, reportedly enjoys the full support of the Davao City Sports Council.

The DCSC support may weigh heavily in favor of Iroy when incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, the long-time mayor of Davao City, names his appointees to the government sports agency. Iroy did not make any comment yesterday. Aside from the chairman, also to be named are four commissioners.

Currently holding those positions are chairman Richie Garcia and commissioners Jolly Gomez, Salvador Andrada, Iggy Clavecilla and Akiko Thomson-Guevara.

“The Davao City Sports Council has endorsed Atty. Iroy as the next PSC chairman,” said a highranking sports official yesterday.

Another source said Garcia is interested in extending his reign as PSC chairman, even for a shorter period. He has held the position since President Aquino came to power in 2010.

Word is that Gomez is also being considered for the chairmanship, and in fact has plans and programs for the PSC in case he gets the coveted post.

Unofficially, there are other names being mentioned, including former senator Nikki Coseteng, former basketball superstar Ramon Fernandez, former Philippine Olympic Committee head Cristy Ramos, former PSC commissioner Tisha Abundo, former PSC executive director Joseph Encabo and sports columnist Fred Lumba.

Jose Cojuangco, POC president, is hoping that whoever is named the next PSC chairman will be someone who has a heart for sports.

“Right now it’s all speculations,” said Cojuangco, who will seek a fourth term as POC president in November.