Bambol Tolentino gains major support in POC Elections

A warm welcome for the youngest son of POC Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan, Drake, turned into a powerhouse show of support for Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino as he seeks a second term as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). The celebration, held at Chef Jessie’s at Rockwell, was attended by a number of National Sports Association (NSA) leaders, who are crucial in the upcoming POC elections this Friday.

Tolentino’s Solid Support Base
What began as a casual gathering quickly evolved into a campaign rally for Tolentino, with 61 NSAs eligible to vote in the POC elections, signaling a strong endorsement for his re-election bid. Among the prominent figures showing their support were Ricky Vargas, the chairman of the Boxing Association, who has been a key ally in Tolentino’s administration. Vargas, also a top executive at the Manuel V. Pangilinan Group, praised Tolentino for his leadership, especially highlighting the gold medals won under his watch during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino with Ricky Vargas, Rep. Richard Gomez, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, Lenlen Escollante, Paolo Tancontian, Joebert Yu, Ting Ledesma, Epok Quimpo, Geourgina Avercilla, Karen Tanchiangco, Nikki Cheng, Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Ricky Lim, Mico Vargas, Mariano Araneta, Atty. Wharton Chan, Jarryd Bello and Bones Floro. [PR photo]

“I’m solidly for the continuation of the programs of Bambol [Tolentino],” Vargas said. “He’s been able to help not only the POC stature, but bring up the stature of the POC, and he also helps many athletes.”

Vargas added, “We need a man like him, especially in the POC where politics is painful.”

Who’s Who of NSA Leaders Show Support
The event was graced by key figures within the Philippine sports community, including Tolentino’s “Working Team” vice president candidate, Rep. Richard Gomez, and board member candidates such as Lenlen Escollante, Paolo Tancontian, Joebert Yu, Ting Ledesma, and many others. Their presence underscored the broad coalition backing Tolentino’s vision for Philippine sports.

POC Elections Committee Rules on Tolentino’s Candidacy
The POC Elections Committee, chaired by Atty. Teddy Kalaw, has cleared Tolentino’s candidacy despite a petition from presidential rival Chito Loyzaga’s group to disqualify him. The petition was based on claims of a conflict of interest, with Tolentino serving as mayor of Tagaytay City, and the alleged failure to submit annual financial statements. However, the committee dismissed the petition, confirming Tolentino’s eligibility to run for re-election.

Meanwhile, Rommel Miranda, an executive board candidate from Loyzaga’s group, was disqualified for no longer holding the position of secretary-general of kurash.

Tolentino’s Team for POC Leadership
Alongside Tolentino, his Working Team has put forward a strong slate of candidates for various positions in the POC elections, including Al Panlilio for First Vice President, Don Caringal for Auditor, and candidates for the Executive Board such as Aguilar of Wrestling, Ferdie Agustin of Jiu-Jitsu, Escalante of Canoe Kayak, Alexander Sulit of Judo, and Leah Gonzales of Fencing. This team’s unity and focus on enhancing Philippine sports are seen as key elements in Tolentino’s bid for re-election.

With POC elections just days away, Tolentino’s leadership is gaining momentum, with a commitment from NSA leaders to continue his programs and further strengthen the standing of the Philippine Olympic Committee and its athletes.

The upcoming elections mark a pivotal moment for the future of Philippine sports, and Tolentino’s camp is confident that his leadership will continue to drive success for the country on the international stage.