Updates on SEA Games Cycling Controversy at SCOOP
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 11 Dec 2009
Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines executive director Jojo Villa yesterday lambasted officials of the Philippine delegation for pulling out Marites Bitbit from the cycling competitions in the on-going 25th Southeast Asian games despite the fact that the rider is qualified to carry the country?s colors in the event she is entered.
?That, I believe is very unpatriotic for anyone to talk Tes (Bitbit) into not participating because she has all the right to represent the country in the races,? Villa said during yesterday?s SCOOP Sa Kamayan weekly session at the Kamayan Restaurant-Padre Faura echoing a statement earlier attributed to Philcycling president Abraham ?Bambol? Tolentino.
?Kumbaga and ating mga atleta at parang mga sundalo na, ipinadla sa Laos para makipaglaban dala ang ating bandera.Bakit mo sila hahayaang talikuran ang tungkuling iyon?? Villa, who represented Tolentino who is also Mayor of Tagaytay City, asked during the public servic Forum, sponsored by ACCEL.
?What hurts is Tes is willing to fight for the country even by her lonesome. Kaya lang pinigilan daw siya mismo ng mga opisyal ng delegasyon bilang pakikisama doon sa mga na-disqualify na teammates niya,? he lamented.
Being the only rider possessing an International Cycling Union license, Bitbit, winner of one gold medal and a pair of bronzes in the 24th edition of the biennial conclave two years ago in Thailand, is allowed by the SEA Games Federation to compete.
Her 12 other team mates under the group recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and, therefore, do not possess in the needed license, had been barred from participation despite repeated appeals from the Sea Games Federation itself.
?I was talking to her (Bibit) this morning and she was crying because she told me that she really wanted to compete because she felt she has a big chance to win at least two gold medals.
Bitbit is favoured to rule the individual road race, an event she also captured in 2007.
?Malaki din daw ang pag-asa niya sa cross country event ng mountain bike, kasi yung tumalo sa kanya sa Thailand, wala na sa lineup,? Villa said. Bitbit managed sonly a bronze medal in cross country two years ago.
?Hinayang na hinayang talaga siya. Kahapon nga, pilit niyang kinausap si Mr. Wajab (Asean Cycling Federation president Abdul Wajab)para payagan siyang kumarera. Dala niya ang license niya at lahat ng papeles na kailangan, kaso naunahan daw siya ng mga opisyal na me dalang notice to pull the entire team our of competitions, Villa related.
After the SCOOP session, Villa called Bibtbit again via overseas phone and reiterated her desire to race at least in the four other events she is entered.
?Gusto ko po talagang kumarera alangalang sa bayan, kasi yun naman talaga ang dahilan kaya ako pinadala dito. Kausapin ku po uli si Mr. Wajab para humingi ng konsiderasyon. Yun po ang bilin ni mayor (Tolentino),? Bitbit said, adding that at age over 30 this year?s ames could be her last and she wants to cherish every honor she could win the rest of her life.
POC Cojuangco admitted to media men covering the Games that he, indeed talked to Bitbit, advising her to stand by her teammates and sign a manifesto withdrawing her participation.
The 30-year-old pride of Cebu is deemed a cinch to win the gold in three of her five events, including the road race she ruled in Thailand 2007.
?I told her that it was Mr. Romero who sent you here and you?re going to participate against the wishes of your teammates,? Cojuangco related. ?I told her, you have to make your own decision here, it?s up to you. You just have to make it known that you are with the team.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026