Dr. Rey Pagtakhan chosen as acting president of PCCM

Hon. Dr. Rey Pagtakhan (right) with Phil. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

WINNIPEG – The board of directors of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM), voted unanimously to elect Dr. Rey Pagtakhan as acting president during a meeting held on Monday, November 10. Pagtakhan will serve as president until the next annual general assembly of the PCCM on Sunday, December 14, 2008 when six new board members, including a new president, will be elected.

At the request of the board, Dr. Pagtakhan chaired the meeting, which was called to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the presidency of the PCCM. Board members Claro Venzon and Edgar de Leon had both been claiming the top post for several months.

According to a media release, both Venzon and de Leon voluntarily resigned the presidency during the meeting “in the best interest of the PCCM.”

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing several aspects of the beleaguered PCCM’s financial situation and tax problems with the City. Among the resolutions was the decision to appoint an outside auditor to prepare a financial statement. Plans were also discussed to draft urgently needed changes to the bylaws to be voted on at the general meeting in December and more comprehensive revisions to the constitution before a special general meeting in the spring or early summer of 2009.

PCCM Election

The PCCM will hold both its annual general meeting and election on Sunday December 14, 2008 from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the PCCM, 737 Keewatin Street. Only members in good standing are eligible to vote or be nominated for a place on the board of directors. The PCCM membership fee is $12.00 and must be paid by November 29.

Nomination forms are available at the PCCM and must be submitted to Dr. Roland Guzman, Chairman of the Nomination and Credentials Committee, by 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2008.

For more about the life and career of Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, see Alona Mercado’s story in the Features section.