By Edwin Rollon
MISLEADING and lack of substantial evidence.
Thus said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard ‘Dickie’ Bachmann as he ‘categorically denies any claims of misconduct and impropriety’ as head of the government sports agency.
“The allegations made against me, particularly those concerning financial decisions and requests for reimbursements, are misleading and lack substantial evidence. I have always conducted myself with the utmost integrity and have remained committed to transparency and the responsible management of the Commission’s resources,” Bachmann said in a prepared statement he read during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the PSC VIP Room.
“I welcome any fair and impartial investigation that aims to clarify these claims and promote accountability within the Commission. However, I also stress that public accusations, particularly when leaked or shared outside proper channels, have the potential to undermine the trust and unity necessary within our institution,” added the former PBA player.
The former Alaska player then team representative to the PBA Board said he is mulling legal action to address the situation. Bachmann, however, refused to name names behind what he called ‘unauthorized dissemination of the letter’ containing allegations of mismanagement.
“It is my hope that moving forward, all matters concerning the PSC, including legitimate concerns and criticisms, are addressed within the bounds of proper protocol and due process to maintain the integrity of our institution and ensure that we remain focused on serving the athletes and the greater Philippine sports community,” Bachmann said.
Sportstek.ph obtained a copy of the said ‘leaked’ letter addressed to President Marcos dated November 6, 2024, and signed by PSC Commissioner Matthew ‘Fritz’ Gaston.
Likewise, Gaston, a former basketball star and Commissioner at the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) confirmed submitting a letter to Malacanang containing a report on what he called ‘questionable situations/decisions of Bachmann.
“I don’t know how it came out and circulated to the media, but yes, I wrote a report letter. This is a usual report to the President as a member of the PSC Board. As a government official, I’m duty-bound to inform the President about things that might affect our duties and responsibilities to athletes and the taxpayers. Hindi kasi puwedeng ma-compromise ito,” said Gaston.
“These things must be stopped and corrected,” Gaston added.
Among the issues stated in the report was the approval of the referendum to a 'request for realignment' of more than P500,000 by Bachmann's Executive Assistant Nino Deo Urquiga. Bachmann and Commissioners Bong Coo and Walter Torres affixed their approval. The request was made after Urquiga received a ‘Notice of Disallowance’ from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the unliquidated fund he incurred as Special Disbursing Officer for the 2023 World Combat Games.
“Mr. Urquiaga has also consistently involved himself in the procurement process to exert influence on the decisions made like what to order, and from whom to order seemingly for personal financial benefit,” stated the report letter.
On the report, Executive Director Paulo Tatad, Bachmann appointee, was also branded as the ‘Most Travelled Executive Director’ contrary to his responsibility and tasked to supervise the day-to-day operations of the PSC.
The report stated that the PSC Travel Department record showed Mr. Tatad has the greatest number of ‘official’ trips.
“Our point here is the number of questionable deals that have been proposed under this administration of Chairman Dickie. Our job as a PSC Board is to ensure the proper and prudent use of public funds entrusted to the PSC, but at times, we do not see that happening,” Gaston stressed.
