BACK TO WORK: Tolentino grateful for another term

Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed his gratitude for winning another term as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) during its election of officers last Friday at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque City.

Tolentino said he is truly grateful and honored to serve the local Olympic council for another four years, making him one of the longest serving POC presidents in history.

The distinction of having the longest tenure as POC chief belongs to Jose “Peping” Cojuangco who served for 13 years from 2005 to 2018.

Prior to him, who assumed the position from Celso Dayrit, former Senator Antonio de las Alas was the longest serving POC president as he was at the helm for 12 years from 1956 to 1968 when the organization was still known as the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation.

Should Tolentino complete his term in 2028, he would serve the POC for nine years as he was first elected to the top position before the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

Toelntino said he is thankful for the golden opportunity to serve the athletes, coaches, national sports federation officials and other stakeholders that will culminate with the country’s participation in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

“Honored to serve again as the president of the POC for another four years,” Tolentino said in a statement posted on social media.

“To my dear colleagues, thank you for your trust, confidence, prayers and unwavering support.”

Ranged against a former athlete in baseball president Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga, Tolentino posted one of the most convincing electoral wins in POC history.

He secured 45 out of 60 possible votes while Loyzaga had only 15. His winning margin is way bigger than what he had three years ago when he beat archery chief Clint Aranas, 30-22, proving that he enjoys the trust and confidence of the members of the POC general assembly.

Aside from Tolentino, also winning via landslide were other members of his “Working Group” in Alfredo “Al” Panlilio of basketball as first vice president, Rep. Richard Gomez of modern pentathlon as second vice president, Dr. Jose Raul Canlas of surfing as treasurer, and Donaldo Caringal of volleyball as auditor.

Winning seats in the executive board are Leonora Escollante of canoe kayak, Alvin Aguilar of wrestling, Ferdinand Agustin of jiu-jitsu and Alexander Sulit of judo.

“Rest assured, this trust will never go to waste as we work tirelessly for the advancement of Philippine sports,” Tolentino said.

“Through unity and sportsmanship, we move forward together.”

“To God be the glory. In sports solidarity, I remain.”