THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) should do its best to settle its differences with athletics president Philip Ella Juico, who was declared “persona non grata”, instead of further dividing the house during its General Assemby on Jan. 26.

POC Chairman Steve Hontiveros expressed misgivings about the decision of the POC Executive Committee in the case of Juico and urged his fellow top-ranking officials to resolve the matter amicably even before the general assembly.

“Nakalulungkot talaga itong mga pangyayari ngayon. Walang panalo dito sa usapin na ito dahil lahat talo. Philippine sports is the biggest loser,” said Hontiveros diring the “Sports on Air” weekly vodcast last Jan. 21.

“If you ask me, dapat maayos agad. Let’s find a win-win solution na everybody happy. I’m not saying who is right and who is wrong. Lahat tayo tao, na hindi perfect. May nagkakamali. So we have to sacrifice, shallow our pride and take a step backward for the good of Philippine sports” Hontiveros told the five-man panel composed of veteran sports journalists.

“There’s a proper way of solving it. Let”s forget about personal things and look at the bigger scene. Yun pride, isantabi muna. Yung POC parang tatay yan at ang nga NSAs ang mga anak. Yun NSA ang tatay naman ng mga atleta. Kung may problema man or may nagawang mali, kasama yan sa tao. Kung ang Diyos nga nagpatawad, tayo pa.”

The 75-year-old Hontiveros, also the president of the Philippine Handball Federation, did not agree with the plan to bring the Juico issue to the general assembly and put it to a vote.

“That would be very divisive. Magugulo lalo ang bahay natin. Mas malaking problema kung may-mediate pa na mga taga labas. Kaya kung maaari dito sa bahay natin ayusin na agad. Yun ang dasal ko ngayon,” said Hontiveros, echoing the fears raised by Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella that the Juico issue could lead to a vote.

Hontiverosbalso supported the decision of PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez between Juico and ling jump champion EJ Obiena.

“I agree with PSC Chairman na mag-mediate. Sana magtuloy-tuloy

Sana both parties will participate,” aid Hontiveros, who was enshrined in the Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis, Missouri in the United States Asked about the budget constraints facing the 584-strong Filipino delegation to the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, Hontiveros said the POC should step in and find a way to meet the financial requirements.

“We all know na may batas tayo na ang gobyerno, thru the PSC, ay magbigay ng pera sa mga atleta para sa SEA Ganes, Asian Games at Olympics. Pati sa ibang international competitions,” said Hontiveros.

“Pero kung hindi kasya yung perang ibibigay ng gobyerno, the POC should find a way to get private sponsors to help.Kahit pa nung araw, ganyan na,” explained Hontiveros.

The former bowling official said the POC should maintain a cordial relationship with the PSC.

“That’s why importante yun mga meetings between the PSC and POC right now. Importante malaman kung magkano ang budget na kayang ibigay ng PSC at kung may budget cut. Importante malaman ng POC kung magkano ang kulang na pera base sa ipadadalang delegation. The POC should now work on it.”

On the Filipinos’ chances in the coming SEA Games, Hontiveros expressed confidence that the country would do well despite limited training due to the pandemic.

“Sa totoo lang, every country in Southeast Asia is having the same problem due to the pandemic. Hindi lang naman tayo. Kaya sa tingin ko ang laban ay more or less equal footing pa rin. I hope that the Almighty God will help us again,” claimed Hontiveros. With reports from Gab Ferreras