The Philippine Olympic Committee general assembly unanimously ratified the organization’s amended constitution that was revised in strict compliance with the International Olympic Committee’s principles on good governance.
It took three years for the POC to finally secure the IOC’s approval of the amendments that bordered on gender equity — at least 30 percent of the executive board must be female — to a maximum of three consecutive terms for officials and setting an age limit at 75 years old for POC leaders.
“No objection,” said POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino after the extraordinary general assembly on Tuesday at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque City.
“Finally, after three years, the POC constitution is amended.”
The approved and ratified amended constitution came 10 months ahead of the POC’s quadrennial elections on the last Friday of November in this Olympic year.
All national Olympic committees were tasked to amend their constitution by the IOC.
The POC constitution amendment committee was chaired by Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez with lawyers Al Agra, Marcus Antonio Andaya and Avelino Sumagui as members.
The amended constitution adhered to internationally-recognized standards of corporate governance with all members of the Olympic Movement standards in their respective rules, regulations, policies and operations.
The new POC constitution — last amended in 2008 — put emphasis on the promotion of women in sports at all levels and in all structures, gender equality on and off the field of play and solidarity and social responsibility.
