THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is praying for a responsive and interactive Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) which, two days ago, saw former basketball player and now executive Richard “Dickie” Bachmann replacing Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala as chairman.
“The sudden changing of the guard at the PSC is surprising for us [POC], although we have already built a good partnership with former chairman [Jose Emmanuel Noli] Eala,” Tolentino said on Thursday. “We, nonetheless, have the same expectation with the new leadership.”
Malacañang announced on Wednesday the appointment of Bachmann as chairman, replacing Eala who headed the government sports arm for only four months.
“I fervently pray for the POC to have a good and honest relationship with the new chairman,” Tolentino added.
Bachmann and the PSC is staring at a challenging and busy 2023 marked with major international competitions—the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May and Asian Games in Hangzhou in September, as well as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and World Beach Games.
Dozens of qualifying tournaments are also calendared in 2023.
“We cannot deny the fact how important the support of the PSC to all the athletes, especially now with the Olympic journey, we are very sensitive with the precious assistance and of course lessening the strenuous process of providing contribution of the PSC to our NSAs [national sports associations],” Tolentino said. “That is our utmost concern.”
Tolentino added: “We all have the same goal of having the chance to promote our country through sports, therefore, we should initially unite in helping them prepare for the Olympics.”
Also appointed as commissioners of the five-member PSC board were former national fencer Walter Francis Torres and Edward Lim Hayco, former head of the Cebu Sports Commission. They joined bowling great Olivia “Bong” Coo who was named commissioner in July.
In a brief message to the BusinessMirror on Thursday, the 54-year-old former Alaska player and executive said he would first settle his remaining responsibilities with the Philippine Basketball Association where he heads the 3×3 program, University Athletic Association of the Philippines where he’s basketball commissioner and the FIBA World Cup Local Oorganizing Committee where he’s head of operations.
“I just received the news about the PSC appointment,” Bachmann said. “It’s a huge honor, and I would like to thank the President [Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.] for his trust and confidence.”
Bachmann is expected to fly back to the country Friday with his family from their US vacation.
“I will be meeting with [PBA] Commissioner Willie Marcial, [UAAP] Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and FIBA LOC to discuss my current responsibilities as soon as I get back,” he said.