TRO Denies

A Makati Regional Trial Court denied the application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by the Billiard and Snooker Congress of the Philippines thru its President Ernesto Fajardo for lack of merit. In its order, the court said that the complainants failed to establish and present evidence that would show a clear invasion of right that must be protected. It also sustained the position of the defendants that it has no jurisdiction over the case.

In its order, the court pointed out that issues to be resolved are the qualification and eligibility of members as well as their corresponding right to vote, thus in the nature of an intra-corporate dispute that should be heard by the commercial court designated by the Supreme Court in the City of Makati.

It was also said that the action of the BSCP is premature since the matter should have been first brought to the grievance, arbitration and mediation mechanism of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as stated in its constitution and by-laws, a copy of which was presented by the defendants in court thru lawyer Richard Palpal-latoc of the Rodriguez and Partners Law Firm. It was clear in the said by-laws that the POC shall be the final arbitrator of all intra-NSA conflict and disputes.

With the denial of the TRO, the election of the BSCP went on as scheduled with POC official representative Buddy Andrada present as observer. Aristeo “Putch” Puyat won as chairman with Bong Ilagan President , Joaquin Perez De Tagle secretary-general and Jonathan Sy as treasurer.

Meanwhile, the BMPAP thru its president lawyer Vic Rodriguez immediately congratulated the newly elected officials of the BSCP, vowed to cooperate and work together and said that it is looking forward to a “new era” in Philippine billiards.