Monday, July 21, 2008 Ramirez to enter politics? By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez swears that politics does not run in his blood nor is his family agreeable to the idea of him running for public office.
But Ramirez declared he would not hesitate to throw his hat into the political arena if somebody challenges him and tramples upon his dignity.
"I will make an assessment along the way," Ramirez told sportswriters and several media friends from the broadcast industry Saturday, adding he is capable of holding an elective post.
"I'm 58 years old. I'm capable. I have track records in public service," Ramirez said, a disclosure that prompted the ever-observant media to fire away questions one after the other.
The PSC chief said he was in town to attend to a family activity in Padada, Davao del Sur. He also gathered sports journalists to give updates on the country's preparations for the Olympic games in Beijing.
Ramirez went on to reveal that a top politician from Davao City has been challenging him to run. He refused to name this politician.
"Naa'y gahagit nako (somebody is challenging me)," he said.
Ramirez admitted he does not have the money to wage a political battle, but said he won't hesitate to run in the 2010 elections if he gets the support of the church and a "very influential person."
Ramirez likewise didn't reveal who this influential person is but observers believed he is no other than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Duterte is reportedly eyeing to have Ramirez in his slate for the City Council in the first district for the next elections.
Ramirez worked under Duterte at City Hall before being appointed PSC commissioner by then President Joseph Estrada and eventually becoming the country's highest sports official under the present administration.
