Cebu Football

From the Inquirer and the Star Citing total loss of trust and confidence, the Philippine Football Federation yesterday removed Jose Mari Martinez as president and voted Iloilo Football Association head Mariano “Nonong” Araneta to take the reins until the elections next year. Acting on a board resolution calling for Martinez’s ouster, 25 of the 33 football associations voted to oust the former national player-turned official at the PFF Annual Congress. Two FA presidents—Taghi Kashef of Legaspi-Albay FA and Leo Arnaiz of Baguio FA—left before the Congress voted on Martinez’s fate, while Rene Cosmod of Davao and Jose Reniva of Camarines abstained. Read full Inquirer report here Read Philippine Star report here

CONGRATULATIONS to Cebu City for winning the high school and elementary titles of the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association. Miguel Caindec scored twice in the second half to lead the high school team, 2-1, over Cebu Province, while Sabin Veloso, Mario Lorenzo Ceniza, Moiselle Alforque and Ryan James Huosen had a goal each in the elementary team's easy 5-0 win over Mandaue City in the finals. Both teams will represent Cviraa in the Palarong Pambansa in May next year.

UNLESS Mari Martinez grows a conscience (and we’d discover life in Mars), it looks like we’re going to have him as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president for the rest of his term. In a recent BOG meeting attended by 10 members, there was a proposal to oust Martinez, who is no longer trusted that he’s been removed as a signatory of PFF funds.

EXACTLY 15 years ago today, I and a bunch of teammates sneaked into a cemetery to steal the candles, some of them still burning. I remember one teammate bragging that he got food from one tomb, but, despite seeing him munch something, we never believed him.

This is a comment from my blog: Last Friday, October 29, the PFF President called for a Board Meeting. Looks like Philippine Football will continue for at least another year to agonize under the misery of a greedy, corrupt, and inept PFF President. To oust Mr. Martinez in a desperate attempt to save Philippine Football the Board of Governors had to have a majority vote to effect the ouster of Martinez and then propose the ouster move to Congress. A vote of 2/3 of Congress is needed to declare the position of PFF vacant and replace Martinez on November 2010. Ten Board members out of the 12 attended the meeting. Carlos Cojuangco of NOFA (his perennial absence never questioned) and Ramon Manlunas of Bukidnon FA did not attend. Out of the 10 Board members, 5 Board Members voted against the ouster of Martinez. This shouldn’t surprise anyone as this was expected. Their unquestionable loyalty is not to the institution or the sport but to an individual who like Martinez favor their own persona...