FERNANDEZ
After getting some encouragement from well-meaning friends and colleagues from the sporting world—including athletes who have been deprived of the support that they need to further excel, Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, is open to manning the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
With President-elect Rodrigo Duterte set to assume office in a few weeks’ time, the race is on in the search for the next chairman of the PSC.
Fernandez, generally regarded as the greatest player in PBA history, seems to be the logical choice, with his previous experience in overseeing defunct basketball leagues such as the Metropolitan Basketball Association, the Collegiate Champions League and the United Regional Basketball League.
After making his mark playing professional basketball, becoming the PBA’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocked shots, Fernandez is looking to contribute to the country’s fractured sporting scene. One thing Fernandez vowed he won’t do however, is lobby to get the position.
“I don’t want to ask for that post because in the first place, I helped and supported him not looking at what I can possibly ask from him. I want nothing in return,” said Fernandez, who is now based in Cebu and is living a comfortable life as a businessman.
“The thing with Digong is ikaw dapat ang makipagkita sa kanya and present to him your vision and the things that you can and are able to do in that position. You really have to apply for the job. I will not do that. I won’t apply,” shared Fernandez in a lunch meet with Cebuano sports scribes along with his wife, Karla Kintanar.
Fernandez has his fair share of supporters for the PSC chairmanship. One of them, esteemed sportsman Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, the team manager of the University of Cebu Webmasters and one of the founders of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi), quipped that the Leyte-native is the right man for the job.
“He is the best person to handle the PSC from among the many candidates. Being an outstanding athlete himself, he has actual knowledge of what ails Philippine sports. He also knows what needs to be done to improve the country’s performance in the sports arena. Also, he is independent minded and can say ‘no’ to politicians who may interfere in his functions,” shared Estenzo.
Though Fernandez has made it clear that he will not apply for the PSC post, he added that he might have to reconsider should the incoming president come calling.
“We’ve known each other for a very long time, during the MBA days pa when the Davao Eagles used to play. He was already a mayor by that time. Should he insist on giving me the position, I might have to pose the condition that I will hold office here in Cebu,” said Fernandez with a hearty laugh.