BASKETBALL icon now baseball chief Joaquin ‘Chito’ Loyzaga threw a buzzer-beating like announcement, challenging incumbent Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino for the presidency in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Loyzaga, also a former Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) during the late President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, beat the October 30 (Wednesday) deadline for filing the candidacy for all elected positions in the country’s highest sports body.
The POC election is set November 29.
“As the sports community continues to grow and evolve, the need for a cohesive and forward-thinking POC has never been more crucial,” Loyzaga said in an official statement to the media.
“Our goal is to build an organization that empowers our athletes, supports our coaches, and collaborates openly with stakeholders to achieve excellence,” added Loyzaga, who led the Philippine delegation as Chief of Mission in last year’s Cambodia Southeast Asian Games.
Loyzaga pledged a vision of unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace, and inclusiveness. A respected figure in Philippine sports, the former PBA star brings a track record of leadership and commitment to the values that will enhance the standards and success of Philippine sports.
Running under the platform of Unity, Good Governance, Transparency, Integrity, Peace, and Inclusivity, Loyzaga’s vision includes creating a collaborative environment where all National Sports Associations (NSAs) are involved in decision-making and where accountability and transparency set the foundation for every action.
Loyzaga’s campaign slogan, “Together for Excellence: A Peaceful, Inclusive, and Transparent POC for All,” reflects his dedication to building an Olympic Committee that values every perspective and upholds the highest standards of leadership and governance.
“I am committed to fostering an atmosphere where inclusivity and unity guide our path forward,” Loyzaga said. “I believe that a united and transparent POC will best serve our athletes, coaches, sports officials, and the entire Philippine sports community.”
Included in Loyzaga’s ticket are Al Panlilio of basketball (1st Vice President), Robert Bachmann of squash racket (2nd Vice President), Dr.George ‘Raul’ Canlas of surfing (Treasurer), Rod Roque of weightlifting (Auditor), while his five-member of the Board are Rep. Peter Miguel (archery), Dr. Charlie Ho (netball), Rommel Miranda (kurash), Derek Ramsay (gymnastics) and Steven Virata (equestrian).
Each member of Loyzaga’s lineup shares his commitment to transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity. Together, they aim to bring meaningful change to the POC, creating a community where every voice is valued and heard.
Loyzaga calls on all stakeholders, athletes, and the broader sports community to support his vision of a reformed and revitalized Philippine Olympic Committee.
