The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
There are now new officials for Philippine swimming.
Michael Vargas, son of former Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas, was elected as president during the Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) elections at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City last thursday.
Vargas Is a long-time supporter of swimming Joining Vargas is two-time Olympian Rep. Eric Buhain, who was was named as secretary-general Also elected were vice president Jessi Arriola, treasurer Marie Dimanche and members of the board of trustees Cris Bancal, Angelica Leonardo, Roel Rosales, Ronald Talosig, Isagani Corpuz, Jessie Lacuna and Emmanuel Manialung.
The elections were conducted on orders of the World Aquatics, the sport’s world governing body, and supervised by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“Our problem has been reduced. We’re very happy—very democratic—everything went through the process,” Tolentino said. “Very well represented and we really saw the essence of inclusivity in this exercise.” Tolentino later administered the oath of office to Vargas,
Buhain and the other officials after the elections.
All officers and members of the board of trustees will serve in a transition period until regular elections under PSI’s charter are held in 2025.
“We are looking forward to a unifying, inclusive and working organization,” Vargas said. “We have to help each other out for our swimmers and coaches.”
Buhain is one of the country’s most successful swimmers who transitioned from sports to government.
He was former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
Currently, he’s a congressman from the First District of Batangas.
“I’m thankful to everyone after being elected as secretary-general. I really want to help the daily operation of the association,” said Buhain, who also heads the Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc. (COPA).
“Mico Vargas is a long-time friend and a supporter. I know he can help the community.”