Panlilio aims for sustainability, unity at POC

MANILA – Basketball president Al Panlilio is looking at sustainability and harmony under Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.

"I believe in his (Tolentino) leadership. And I will talk to him on how to sustain our programs or surpass it for the athletes and Philippines sports," said Panlilio, who is seeking another term as POC first vice president, on Thursday.

"Our sports are progressing after Hidilyn Diaz won gold in the Tokyo Olympics, and now we won two golds courtesy of Carlos Yulo in Paris," said Panlilio, head of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

"We have to surpass previous achievements and provide for sustainable platforms for our athletes," he further said.

The POC elections will be held on Nov. 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City.

Tolentino, Panlilio along with second vice president Richard Gomez are seeking another four-year term.

Tolentino called his ticket the "POC Working Team" that includes surfing's Dr. Jose Raul Canlas as treasurer and volleyball's Donaldo "Don" Caringal as auditor and Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Leonora "Lenlen" Escollante (canoe, kayak and dragon boat), Alexander "Ali" Sulit (judo), Ferdinand "Ferdie" Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing) as Executive Board members.

Under Tolentino's watch as POC president, the Philippines ruled the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila (2019) and bagged the men's basketball gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena also rose to world's No. 2.

Panlilio also called for unity among national sports associations (NSAs), adding that sports leaders "join forces to create a healthy environment for the athletes and support their training under one POC."

"We just have to duplicate or surpass what we achieve in Paris at the 2024 Los Angeles Olympic Games. I believe we can make it or improve our recent finish with an effective united working group," he added.

Challenging Tolentino is baseball president Chito Loyzaga, a former commissioner at the Philippine Sports Commission.

In his ticket are squash's Robert Bachmann, 2nd VP; weightlifting's Rod Roque, auditor; and board members Rep. Peter Miguel (archery), Dr. Charlie Ho (netball), Rommel Miranda (kurash), Derek Ramsay (gymnastics) and Steven Virata (equestrian).

Loyzaga has pledged a vision of unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace, and inclusivity. His group is supporting the candidacies of Panlilio and Canlas. (PNA)