Like a good soldier, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez took the challenge to lead the country’s campaign in the coming Southeast Asian Games which coincidentally will be held at home.
The last time the Dabawenyo chairman was at the helm of the country’s sports agency and the country played host to the biennial regional games, the Philippines ended up as the overall champion. Now, Ramirez’s charm will be put to the fore once more amidst the turmoil that’s hounding the Philippine sports landscape.
Initially, Ramirez declined the offer to be the chef de mission of the Philippine delegation. He cited two reasons: first, he need not be the CDM to support the athletes, and second, out of delicadeza. However, less than 24 hours after, he changed his mind apparently after talking to the ‘bosses’ from Malacañang. By the morning on Wednesday, Ramirez announced he is accepting the job. It was an act that’s both sacrifice and patriotism in the part of the country’s sports leader as he set aside his principles to steer clear of the warring groups within the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) which involved current president Ricky Vargas and former president Joe “Peping” Cojuangco. The long-serving Cojuangco, uncle of former President Noynoy Aquino, was defeated by Vargas in an elections ordered by the court.
The squabble within the POC goes beyond sports. It’s tainted with politics. Vargas is a known supporter of President Duterte while Cojuangco, brother of the late President Cory, is identified with the Aquinos. More than that, there is just too much color and discord within the POC which had brought confusion to national athletes training for the SEA Games.
With Ramirez at the helm, these warring personalities must take a step back, or even walk away if they cannot smoke the peace pipe. We do not need leaders whose egos and personal interests are placed forward than the country’s welfare as represented by our athletes.
