MVP not seeking POC top position

Sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan has turned down suggestions that he seek the Philippine Olympic Committee presidency when the POC holds its elections on Nov. 25.

Pangilinan said seeking the top POC post is not on his agenda.

“This time, not really,” said Pangilinan last Friday during Game 1 of the PBA Governors Cup final between Meralco and Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Ang dami kong trabaho (I have my hands full),” added Pangilinan following Meralco’s hard- earned overtime win over Ginebra.

Meralco is just one of PBA teams under Pangilinan, including Talk N Text and NLEX. On the business side, he also heads communications giants Smart, PLDT and TV5, and Maynilad.

It’s been reported the past couple of days that Pangilinan is giving the POC presidency a second look. In 2012 he came close to seeking the presidency but begged off at the last minute.

A source close to Pangilinan said if there’s a call from among the NSAs (national sports associations) for a change in the POC leadership, Pangilinan might consider the move.

Pangilinan said he was not formally approached by any group of NSAs but confirmed that “some people suggested that.”

But again, the country’s biggest sports patron, who’s deeply involved in developing sports through his MVP Sports Foundation, is not throwing his hat into the POC ring.

“A few years ago that was also raised. Di naman nangyari yun (But it didn’t happen). Saka ayoko. Pulitica yun e (Besides, I don’t want it. There’s politics in it),” added Pangilinan.

“Siguro we’ll deal with it when we get there – kung mangyari man yun (If it ever happens). Tignan natin (We’ll see),” he said.

Cojuangco, who became POC president in 2004, has indicated his desire to seek a fourth term.

Before Pangilinan’s name came up, there seems to be no one interested in challenging Cojuangco for the top POC post.