Key Appointments announced at POC General Assembly

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) unveiled critical appointments during its first General Assembly of the year, held at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City. POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced the assignments, aimed at strengthening the country’s preparations for major international sporting events.

Key Appointments

Ricky Vargas, former POC president and current chairman of the boxing federation, will serve as chef de mission for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Al Panlilio, president of the basketball federation, will oversee preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Rep. Richard Gomez, representing modern pentathlon, has been tapped for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, treasurer of the POC and surfing representative, will manage the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Stephen Arapoc, wushu association head, will lead efforts for the Chengdu 2025 World Games.

Key members of the Philippine Olympic Committee gather during the first General Assembly of the year to discuss crucial appointments and preparations for upcoming international events. [POC photo]

Additionally, Richard Lim of karate was appointed as chef de mission for the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, slated for February 7–14. However, the chef de mission for the Third Asian Youth Olympic Games in Bahrain, scheduled for October 22–31, remains unnamed.

Focus on Early Preparations

“The objective is to prepare our teams—and athletes—in earnest for the international competitions. If we prepare early, there will be no excuses,” said POC President Tolentino.

With these appointments, the POC aims to provide adequate support and guidance for Filipino athletes competing on the global stage.

Additional Announcements

The General Assembly also addressed internal organizational matters:

Former football president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta was appointed chairman of the ethics committee.
Atty. Daniel Hofileña, a non-POC member, will lead the arbitration committee.
The Assembly approved the 2025 working budget of ₱35 million, reflecting an ₱8 million reduction compared to last year due to the preparations and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tolentino reported that the POC saved ₱15 million last year.