Bambol Tolentino reelected as POC president

Metro Manila, Philippines — Tagaytay City mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino has earned a new four-year mandate as the Philippine Olympic Committee president after beating Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Chito Loyzaga in the POC elections held on Friday.

Tolentino defeated Loyzaga with a vote of 45-15.

Tolentino first served as the POC president in 2019 to 2020, fulfilling the unfinished term of Ricky Vargas following special elections, then from 2021 to 2024 during regular elections.

Under his leadership, the Philippines won its first Olympic gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics followed by two gold medals from gymnast Carlos Yulo in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and Leyte 4th district representative Richard Gomez were elected first vice president and second vice president, respectively.

Raul Canlas was elected treasurer, while Donaldo Caringal was elected internal auditor.