The need for reforms in Philippine sports is not something that can be done overnight. Not even with an elections or change of leadership.
The trouble within the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has been there for a long time, whomsoever is at the helm. The problem is that each time there is an election for its leadership, division within its ranks only get worse.
The POC, as an independent body, is operating under a sovereign existence as provided for by the Olympic body, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As such, it is free from the influence and manipulations of the state. However, the independence is but a matter of defining or characterizing its existence. When it comes to implementing its programs, the POC is very much dependent on government for support, financially and facilities-wise. Independence, under the Olympic norms, is an ironic term given the dependence on the state for it to function in developing athletes and sending them to competitions.
The POC will always exercise its independence from the state influence when it comes to choosing its leaders, but not when it needs the money.
Strange? Extremely strange.
Given the current situation of the POC, another election is impending after just recently changing leadership. However, the same personalities now running the POC may still be controlling the elections thereby sabotaging the independence of its membership.
Thus, when an independent group called the Reform Philippine Sports (RPS) movement is pleadeding for the POC to make reforms ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, it necessitates a just and honest election on July 28. The RPS claims it is “a movement of sports personalities and fans who have a growing concern over the way our leaders are handling Philippine sports.”
The group believes that the elections on July 28 may be rigged as some national sports associations (NSAs) are highly questionable and illegally recognized as members. As such, they must not be allowed to vote. The movement also called that “only qualified and competent candidates are allowed to run.”
If a change is to be made in Philippine sports in harmony with the sitting administration of the state, then it must yield to its flawed independence and make way for the government which fuels the programs of the POC to have a hand in the selection of the leadership of the sports body.
In effect, whoever sits at POC is sure to be in good terms and has the support of the state.
