NEWLY appointed Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping might find himself in a dilemma if reports are true that he has been offered the post of ambassador to China.

A Palace source, the same one who divulged Angping?s appointment as chairman of the PSC, said President Arroyo, in an effort to strengthen the country?s diplomatic ties with the Mainland, wants Angping to serve as the country?s envoy to China.

?Angping?s stature and clout within the Chinese community makes him a perfect fit for the job. Actually, he was the top choice of the President,? said the source, who refused to be named as he was not authorized to speak about the matter.

?The position of ambassador to China was Angping?s first choice, actually, but Malaca?ang already announced his appointment as PSC czar. But the offer as ambassador to China put Angping in a dilemma.?

The same source said that Malaca?ang would most likely appoint former taekwondo champion Ali Atienza as Angping?s replacement if the former softball chief decides to accept the ambassadorial post.

?Nauna kasing lumabas ?yung appointment niya [Angping] as PSC chairman. Although Angping wants to serve as ambassador, he has no choice but to accept the job. But with this development, mukhang kailangang mamili ni congressman,? said the source.

But Angping denied the rumor.

?That?s not true. I?m happy to serve the Filipino athletes right now. It was very gracious with the President to ask me to look after the welfare of the members of the national team,? said Angping, who also served as a special envoy to China prior to his appointment as sports czar.

And besides, Angping stressed, the position for ambassador to China is already filled up with former Senator Orly Mercado, whose appointment was already sealed. Edwin Rollon