Call it a quick substitution.
In just four months, the Philippine Sports Commission will pass on to a new leadership.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed Richard “Dickie” Bachmann as the new chairman of the PSC replacing Noli Eala, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.
Press Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed the appointment to the media. The Palace, however, has yet to release Bachmann’s appointment papers.
Bachmann replaces Eala, who led PSC since August 30 of this year.
Prior to his post, Bachmann was named as the basketball commissioner of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Bachmann went to De La Salle University from 1986 to 1991, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, Major in Business Management. He also played for the Green Archers.
Bachmann was also the PBA 3×3 chairman.
Meantime, Eala said he is leaving the Philippine Sports Commission “at peace” after his brief stint in the sports agency.
Eala will be replaced by Bachmann as announced by Malacañang on Wednesday.
“My brief stint in the PSC gave me an opportunity to once again serve with passion in a field I hold close to my heart,” Eala said in his statement.
“With all humility, I can say that I gave dignity and respect to the position of Chairman and worked tirelessly for Philippine Sports.”
Eala thanked President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for the opportunity to improve the country’s sports affairs and said he accepts the decision made by the president.
The former PSC chair also thanked the sports leaders who supported him and wished the upcoming chair the best.
“As I leave, I am at peace knowing that in the months I served, I cared for all our athletes and Philippine Sports like no other,” said Eala.
New PSC commissioners
The PSC also announced that new commissioners will join the sports body.
Walter Francis Torres and Edward Hayco were appointed as commissioners to the body.
According to the PSC, Torres served as the chef de mission to the 2022 ASEAN Para Games and is the Philippine Paralympic Committee secretary-general.
Meanwhile, Hayco served as chairman of the Cebu City Sports Commission for 12 years.
The two will join bowling legend Bong Coo as commissioners of the agency.
