RICKY Vargas has resigned as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Vargas made the decision during Tuesday’s meeting of the Olympic body's executive board at the POC office in Pasig City, just 16 months after taking office.

At the end of the meeting, the resignation was later confirmed by Clint Aranas, the head of the archery association who identified himself as the new POC spokesman.

"We had a good meeting but at the end of the day, our president decided to tender his irrevocable resignation and we respected that," said Aranas, who is also head of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

POC first vice president Joey Romasanta took over the POC leadership after Vargas stepped down, Aranas added.

Vargas won the election in February 2018, ending Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco’s 13-year reign at the head of the country's national Olympic body.

He didn’t finish the meeting, leaving for 'a prior commitment' after speaking to members of the executive board in a conference held “to clear up matters in the interest of unity” in relation to the hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Continue reading below ↓

MORE FROM SPIN MORE FROM SPIN

Vargas' stunning decision came after weeks of upheaval where the concurrent chairman of the PBA had grown frustrated over the 'politicking' in sports, accusing remnants of Cojuangco's board of trying to unseat him.

Continue reading below ↓ Recommended Videos

Just last month, Vargas got backing from Malacanang after he stripped POC officials allied to Cojuangco of key positions in the body, including Romasanta.

In a statement, Vargas cited 'corporate responsibilities and family sentiments' played a big role in his decision to step down.

“After much introspection, I have determined that there would be other sports leaders who would have the time and inclination needed to lead the POC more effectively,” said Vargas.