PSC appoints Tatad as new ED

A son of a former lawmaker is joining the Philippine Sports Commission as it prepares for major international tournaments ahead, including the country's hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Paulo Francisco Tatad, son of former Senator Kit Tatad, is set to infuse fresh ideas after being appointed as executive director of the government sports agency.

He will replace Atty. Guillermo Iroy, who will remain active with the day-to-day operations of the agency as deputy executive director.

The 47-year-old Tatad vowed to hit the ground running and assess the things needed  by the PSC.

"I started last Tuesday, August 1. I was already briefed on the role and scope of the executive director. Right now, I am just warming the chair so there's a lot of reviewing and revisiting," Tatad, an Ateneo de Manila University graduate, said during the press briefing yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

"We would like to strengthen and look at further implementation of policies as (PSC) Chairman (Richard "Dickie" Bachmann) said, 'I have to work together with the NSA (national sports association) community.'"

Bachmann said he is glad that the ranking executives of the agency are now complete and they can now focus on the crucial tasks ahead like the World Cup and the participation in the 19th Asian Games.

Aside from Bachmann, also leading the PSC are commissioners Olivia "Bong" Coo, Walter Torres, Matthew "Fritz" Gaston and Edward Hayco.

"I'm excited. It's about time to have a full lineup and serve the athletes better. For PSC to move forward and serve the athletes better, I need a full lineup," Bachmann said.