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‘IT’S NOT YET MY TIME’

gtk: I’m good ‘til 2012

By Julius Manicad

02/17/2009

Go Teng Kok, the outspoken athletics chief, admitted age has caught him up and may give up his post anytime soon.

That soon, however, will be in 2012, when Go believes it’s time to ride the sunset.

Leading the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) for nearly two decades now, the 65-year-old Go clinched his fifth term in a one-sided election late last year. But since Patafa has yet to show any significant improvement, speculations are pregnant that the ouster of Go is in progress.

Tipped to replace Go are prominent members of Patafa board of directors like Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and former media man now politician Raymundo Roquero, whom Go claimed to be his favorite to become his successor.

“I am not getting any younger,” Go yesterday said. “Yes, I believe in his (Roquero) capacity to lead Patafa, but I don’t think I am ready to hand him my position. I will just finish my term, and then I will gladly step down.”

According to a Tribune source, an influential bloc of Patafa insiders is seriously batting for Roquero to challenge Go. Roquero is believed to possess a vast political clout and has an impressive program patterned after the old project: Gintong Alay, where he once served.

Aside from being a former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner, Roquero is also a well-known Malacañang insider being the executive director of the ruling party, Lakas-CMD.

The source said the Patafa seriously needs Roquero’s expertise, especially now that it has yet to receive any financial support from the PSC after Go failed to liquidate his previous cash advances.

“I don’t think there are people who are eyeing my position. These are all speculations and I still have the full trust and confidence in my board (of directors),” said Go, who also got involved in chess, karate and basketball.