Manila: Basketball president Al Panlilio is prioritizing sustainability and harmony under the leadership of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino. Panlilio expressed his confidence in Tolentino's leadership and his intention to discuss ways to sustain and enhance programs for athletes and Philippine sports as he seeks another term as POC first vice president. According to Philippines News Agency, Panlilio emphasized the progress in Philippine sports, citing achievements such as Hidilyn Diaz's gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and the recent double gold win by Carlos Yulo in Paris. He underscored the need to surpass previous achievements and establish sustainable platforms for athletes. The upcoming POC elections, scheduled for November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Parañaque City, will see Tolentino, Panlilio, and second vice president Richard Gomez vying for another four-year term. Tolentino's team, dubbed the 'POC Working Team,' includes notable figures such as Dr . Jose Raul Canlas from surfing as treasurer, Donaldo 'Don' Caringal from volleyball as auditor, and several others representing various sports as Executive Board members. Under Tolentino's leadership, the Philippines achieved significant milestones, including ruling the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila in 2019 and securing the men's basketball gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Additionally, pole vaulter Ernest John 'EJ' Obiena rose to become the world's No. 2. Panlilio also called for unity among national sports associations (NSAs), urging sports leaders to collaborate in creating a supportive environment for athletes and their training under a unified POC. He expressed optimism about repeating or surpassing the achievements in Paris at the 2024 Los Angeles Olympic Games with an effective united working group. Challenging Tolentino is baseball president Chito Loyzaga, a former commissioner at the Philippine Sports Commission. Loyzaga's ticket includes Robert Bachmann from squash as 2nd vice president, Rod Roque from weightlifting as auditor, and other board members representing various sports. Loyzaga has pledged a vision centered on unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace, and inclusivity, with his group supporting the candidacies of Panlilio and Canlas.