The bitter dispute among members of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) board of commissioners appears to be over.

According to a reliable PSC insider, PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and PSC commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston seem to have buried the hatchet as they have shown civility and mutual respect toward each other in the past few weeks heading into the Christmas season.

Gaston, in fact, is now agreeing with Bachmann’s policies and directives, raising speculations that things are finally going well between two of the highest sports officials in the country.

Other members of the PSC board are commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco, who is reportedly on the side of Gaston.

“They are civil towards each other. In fact, during PSC board meetings, all you can hear from Comm Fritz is ‘I agree with the chairman,’” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity for lack of clearance from the PSC board.

“It’s a very positive sign towards reconciliation. They may not like each other, but they should treat each other with respect, especially since the national athletes, coaches, managers, and other stakeholders are looking up to them.”

Bachmann said he is not minding their squabble as his focus is solely on providing the needs of the national athletes.

After all, it’s just normal for two passionate officials to not be on the same page over certain issues.

“I’m just focused on our athletes,” Bachmann said in a recent interview.

“More than anything, the welfare of our national athletes is my top priority.”

It is no secret that Bachmann and Gaston are not seeing eye to eye. Multiple sources claimed that Gaston is seriously lobbying to become the next PSC chief.

Their dispute came to a head when Gaston, who is also a former professional basketball player like Bachmann, sent a letter to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to report “questionable financial decisions” that the PSC chief made during his term.”

Worse, Gaston’s letter was leaked to social media through the official Facebook page of former PSC chairman Aparicio Mequi.

Bachmann did not take Gaston’s action lightly.

He came up with a statement, strongly denying any claims of “misconduct or impropriety” made during his term as PSC chief.

He stressed that he is ready to face any investigation not just to clarify his claim but also to promote accountability within the PSC.

“The allegations made against me, particularly those concerning financial decisions and requests for reimbursements, are misleading and lack substantial evidence,” Bachmann said.

“I have always conducted myself with the utmost integrity and have remained committed to transparency and the responsible management of the Commission’s resources.”

“I welcome any fair and impartial investigation that aims to clarify these claims and promote accountability within the Commission. However, I also stress that public accusations, particularly when leaked or shared outside proper channels, have the potential to undermine the trust and unity necessary within our institution.”

But the DAILY TRIBUNE source claimed that the internal strife appears to be a thing of the past as both Bachmann and Gaston have already moved on and ready to celebrate Christmas with a “united” PSC board.

“Our board appears to be finally united,” the source said.

“Now, we can have a meaningful Christmas celebration before buckling down to a lot of work next year with the country’s hosting of numerous international events and participation in the Southeast Asian Games in December.”

“All’s well that ends well.”