Philippine Sports News and Updates

Cojuangco yesterday issued a statement after a petition signed by 25 or half of EAP members called for a special meeting within three weeks leading up to an election.

But Cojuangco, who is also president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said through his spokesman, Jose Romasanta, “there’s no reason to call an election.”

Under the EAP by-laws, an election will only take place in 2012.

Cojuangco said the group led by Party List Representative Carissa Coscolluela, who is eyeing the presidency, should raise the matter before the board, and not through the media.

“All of these things that are being aired through the media were never discussed with the board – particularly on the issue of membership,” Romasanta said.

Coscolluela’s group, which includes Olympian Toni Leviste and SEA Games gold medalist Jones Lanza, said the election scheduled March 31 was called off after Cojuangco learned that he was to be challenged.

Romasanta added that Cojuangco was surprised to find new names in the list of members when these persons have not gone through the legitimate process.

Romasanta said Article 5, Section 1 of the EAP constitution and by-laws state that the granting of memberships must be determined and approved by the seven-man board of trustees.

“But there were names that just cropped up recently without passing through the board. Even Mr. Cojuangco was surprised, saying ‘Paano naging members ito?’” said Romasanta.

“And the schedule of election is dictated by the by-laws and not by anybody. The by-laws do not call for an election at this time. But if they believe otherwise then they must clarify this with the board,” he added.

Cojuangco called on the EAP members to check the constitution and by-laws.

“You should always refer to your by-laws and everything else will follow,” Romasanta said.

Coscolluela said they’ve heard of reports that the leadership is going to attempt to invalidate the memberships of some voting members by claiming that their memberships have not been approved or accepted.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central