Philippine Sports Community Mourns Former PSC Chief Philip Juico

Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Philip Ella Juico died at 78 on October 31 at Makati Medical Center. His decades-long career included leadership roles in government, athletics, volleyball, and regional sports administration across Asia.

Philip Juico Dies at 78 in Makati

ABS-CBN News journalist Paige Javier covered Juico’s death after his family publicly confirmed his passing early Sunday. His son Vincent said Juico died at 8:18 p.m. Saturday at Makati Medical Center following decades of public service.

Another son, Joseph Juico, said his father had battled cancer since 2022 before dying peacefully in his sleep. Juico’s cremation was held November 3, followed by memorial services at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my father, Philip ‘Popoy’ Juico, who passed away yesterday evening at 8:18 pm at the Makati Medical Center,” Vincent wrote.

“We kindly ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he rests in peace,” he said.

Image from: ABS-CBN

Family Announces Memorial and Inurnment Arrangements

Memorial services continue through November 5 at Capilla del Señor inside Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. An inurnment Mass is scheduled November 6 before Juico’s inurnment at Holy Cross Memorial Park in Novaliches.

Juico Served as Fourth Philippine Sports Commission Chairman

Juico served as the Philippine Sports Commission’s fourth chairman from 1996 until 1998 during President Fidel Ramos’ administration. The appointment followed his earlier Cabinet service and placed him at the head of the government’s national sports agency.

Before joining the PSC, Juico served as Department of Agrarian Reform secretary under President Corazon Aquino from 1987 until 1989. His government tenure included involvement in implementing the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program during a major period of land-reform policy.

Government Career Preceded National Sports Leadership

Juico’s Cabinet service gave his career a national government dimension years before he assumed the country’s highest sports administrative position. His subsequent PSC appointment connected two distinct areas of public service before his later work with national sports organizations.

Juico Led Philippine Athletics From 2015 to 2022

Juico became Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president in 2015 and later secured another term through reelection in 2021. He remained federation president until resigning in June 2022, ending approximately seven years at the helm of Philippine athletics.

Following his death, PATAFA publicly remembered its former president for his leadership, dedication, and contributions to Philippine athletics. The federation’s tribute recognized Juico’s work within both the national athletics organization and the broader Philippine sporting community.

“Rest in peace, Sir Popoy We are deeply grateful for your leadership, dedication and devotion. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to Philippine Athletics (PATAFA) and Philippine sports in general and for the legacy you leave behind,” PATAFA wrote.

“Your contributions will forever be part of Philippine athletics, maraming salamat po, you will always be in our hearts,” it added.

Asian Athletics Roles Extended Juico’s Administrative Career

Juico also served as Asian Athletics Association vice president and chaired the continental body’s School and Youth Commission. Those positions extended his athletics administration beyond the Philippines into regional governance involving school and youth sports development.

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Juico Helped Establish Philippine Volleyball Leagues

Juico’s sports administration career extended into volleyball when he helped establish the Philippine Super Liga during 2013. He later became involved in creating the Shakey’s Super League, which launched its collegiate volleyball competition during 2022.

His involvement across athletics and volleyball placed Juico in leadership roles spanning national federations and domestic sporting competitions. These appointments followed his earlier PSC tenure and broadened his institutional work beyond a single Philippine sporting discipline.

Volleyball Added Another Chapter to Juico’s Sports Career

Juico served as Philippine Super Liga chairman after helping establish the women’s volleyball competition more than a decade ago. His later Shakey’s Super League involvement added collegiate volleyball to a career already spanning government and athletics administration.

Juico’s Career Spanned Government and Philippine Sports

Born December 14, 1947, Juico studied at De La Salle University before building careers in government and sports administration. De La Salle inducted him into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 for his contributions to Philippine sports.

His professional record eventually included the Agrarian Reform Department, PSC, PATAFA, Asian Athletics Association, and Philippine volleyball organizations. Juico died nearly two months before what would have been his 79th birthday on December 14.

Decades of Service Covered Multiple Sports Institutions

Juico’s documented appointments ranged from Cabinet secretary and national sports chairman to federation president and continental athletics official. His career also crossed athletics and volleyball, giving his administrative record an unusually broad institutional scope within Philippine sports.

Industry Analysis: Juico’s Legacy Spans Philippine Sports Governance

Juico’s career crossed several layers of Philippine sports governance rather than remaining concentrated within one federation or competition. He served at government, national sports agency, national federation, continental federation, and domestic league levels across several decades.

That institutional range provides measurable context for PATAFA’s tribute following his death without relying solely on commemorative descriptions. His documented roles connect Philippine government service with athletics administration, regional governance, and the development of domestic volleyball competitions.

Source Note: Family statements and Philippine news organizations provide Juico’s death details, memorial arrangements, tributes, and biographical information. Institutional records support his government service, sports leadership positions, athletics appointments, volleyball involvement, and De La Salle recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Philip Ella Juico?

Philip Ella Juico was a former PSC chairman, PATAFA president, Cabinet secretary, and longtime Philippine sports administrator.

When did Philip Juico die?

Juico died at Makati Medical Center on October 31, 2026, at age 78, according to his family’s statements.

When did Juico serve as PSC chairman?

Juico served as the fourth Philippine Sports Commission chairman from 1996 until 1998 during the Fidel Ramos administration.

How long did Juico lead Philippine athletics?

Juico became PATAFA president in 2015, secured reelection in 2021, and remained federation chief until resigning in June 2022.

When will Philip Juico be inurned?

Juico’s inurnment is scheduled November 6 following a morning Mass at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati City.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.