PSC leadership change will not affect RP’s Asiad preparation

The impending leadership change in the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will not affect the country’s preparation for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzho, China in November.

This was the assurance made by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco Jr., the uncle of presidential frontrunner Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, since his nephew is set to name PSC chairman Harry Angping’s replacement.

Angping said on Wednesday that he hopes a new PSC chairman will be named soon as not to affect the athletes’ build-up for the Asian Games. "I hope that the next chairman should be gentleman and decent enough to see what I’ve programmed for this year."

Angping, an appointee of President Arroyo, is expected to be replaced when Aquino takes his seat in Malacanang. He said that he will submit his courtesy resignation on June 30 but will stay in the top post until a new chairman is appointed.

But Cojuangco said that the new administration will not hamper the country’s Asian Games preparation since the PSC’s primary function is to fund the Filipino athletes’ training and campaign in international tournaments.

"I think the turnover won’t affect anything," said Cojuangco during POC’s radio program on radio station DZSR Thursday.

Cojuangco said the new PSC chairman must maintain a good working relationship with the POC.

"The next chairman should really have full knowledge of what is happening in sports and should work as a team," said Cojuangco, who had several disagreements with Angping when it comes to the country’s sports program ever since the former Manila representative and softball president was appointed in the government sports body.