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WORD WAR ESCALATES

GTK says Ramirez diverted funds

By Julius Manicad

12/16/2008

William “Butch” Ramirez has declared confidence he’ll end the year staying as Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

In fact, he gave PSC employees a morale-boosting speech during their Christmas party yesterday, before his former friend, now main critic Go Teng Kok came out armed with fresh allegations of graft and corruption, claiming to have unearthed a handful of documents that he said would bring down the 56-year-old PSC chief.

Go, the controversial athletics president, charged Ramirez of diverting government funds for athletes and national sports associations (NSA), using them for the construction of some establishments in the PSC-owned compound in Pasig City, instead.

Go vowed to demand an explanation from Ramirez within the week. A copy of the letter will also be sent to the media, according to Go.

Go was supposed to deliver a speech before the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) general assembly last week to criticize Ramirez’s publication of NSAs’ and the POC’s unliquidated expenses, but wasn’t able to, claiming he “ran out of time.”

Ramirez, however, said he is unfazed of Go’s threat.

In a speech delivered during the PSC Christmas party, Ramirez admitted quarters in the local sports community are calling for his ouster, but he is staying on for as long as he has the full trust and confidence of President Arroyo.

He said he has been talking to the President “from time to time” and the Chief Executive has been very supportive to his programs, especially the re-launched Philippine Sports Institute.

“I will be here for as long as the President has her trust and confidence in me,” Ramirez said. “So for those who want me out — just wait (until 2010).”

Go and Ramirez has been at odds since the PSC implemented its “no liquidation, no financial assistance policy” last year. Go, the self-declared kingmaker in the Olympic movement, blasted Ramirez and demanded for his ouster despite the President’s decision to keep Ramirez until the end of her term.

This time, however, Go believes his move will take off.

“Let’s wait until Wednesday, he has to answer everything,” Go said.