MANILA – Basketball president Al Panlilio is looking at sustainability and harmony under Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“I believe in his (Tolentino) leadership. And I will talk to him on how to sustain our programs or surpass it for the athletes and Philippines sports,” said Panlilio, who is seeking another term as POC first vice president, on Thursday.

“Our sports are progressing after Hidilyn Diaz won gold in the Tokyo Olympics, and now we won two golds courtesy of Carlos Yulo in Paris,” said Panlilio, head of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We have to surpass previous achievements and provide for sustainable platforms for our athletes,” he further said.

The POC elections will be held on Nov. 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City.

Tolentino, Panlilio along with second vice president Richard Gomez are seeking another four-year term.

Tolentino called his ticket the “POC Working Team” that includes surfing’s Dr. Jose Raul Canlas as treasurer and volleyball’s Donaldo “Don” Caringal as auditor and Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante (canoe, kayak and dragon boat), Alexander “Ali” Sulit (judo), Ferdinand “Ferdie” Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing) as Executive Board members.

Under Tolentino’s watch as POC president, the Philippines ruled the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila (2019) and bagged the men’s basketball gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena also rose to world’s No. 2.

Panlilio also called for unity among national sports associations (NSAs), adding that sports leaders “join forces to create a healthy environment for the athletes and support their training under one POC.”

“We just have to duplicate or surpass what we achieve in Paris at the 2024 Los Angeles Olympic Games. I believe we can make it or improve our recent finish with an effective united working group,” he added.

Challenging Tolentino is baseball president Chito Loyzaga, a former commissioner at the Philippine Sports Commission.

In his ticket are squash’s Robert Bachmann, 2nd VP; weightlifting’s Rod Roque, auditor; and board members Rep. Peter Miguel (archery), Dr. Charlie Ho (netball), Rommel Miranda (kurash), Derek Ramsay (gymnastics) and Steven Virata (equestrian).

Loyzaga has pledged a vision of unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace, and inclusivity. His group is supporting the candidacies of Panlilio and Canlas. 

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 Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) head Chito Loyzaga will challenge incumbent president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) election next month.

Loyzaga, a respected figure in Philippine sports, brings a track record of leadership and commitment to the values that will enhance the standards and success of Philippine sports.

He pledged a vision of unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace, and inclusivity.

“As the sports community continues to grow and evolve, the need for a cohesive and forward-thinking POC has never been more crucial,” said Loyzaga in a statement.

“Our goal is to build an organization that empowers our athletes, supports our coaches, and collaborates openly with stakeholders to achieve excellence,” he added.

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. I believe that a united and transparent POC will best serve our athletes, coaches, sports officials, and the entire Philippine sports community,” said Loyzaga, whose father was basketball legend Carlos Loyzaga.

Loyzaga’s lineup is composed of basketball’s Al Panlilio (first VP), squash’s Robert Bachmann, 2nd VP; surfing’s Dr. George Canlas, treasurer; weightlifting’s Rod Roque, auditor; and board members Rep. Peter Miguel (archery), Dr. Charlie Ho (netball), Rommel Miranda (kurash), Derek Ramsay (gymnastics), and Steven Virata (equestrian).

According to Loyzaga, the 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, who served as PH delegation chef de mission at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, is calling on all stakeholders, athletes, and the broader sports community to support the vision of a reformed and revitalized POC.