Garcia's appointment was confirmed by Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda through a text message to reporters.
Garcia, a former national golf official, served as commissioner under the administration of the past three chairmen -- Carlos Tuason, William "Butch" Ramirez and Harry Angping.
His appointment also confirmed early reports made by GMANews.TV days before the official announcement was made.
Named PSC commissioners were Little League Philippines administrator Jose Luis Reyes Gomez, former tennis association head Salvador "Buddy" Andrada, ex-basketball star and now Baseball Philippines head Joaquin "Chito" Loyzaga.
Former swimming champion and Olympian Akiko Thompson was the only commissioner retained.
Garcia's name was chosen over a list of candidates that floated the past few days. Among those mentioned in the list of probable nominees for the post include former Senator Robert Jaworski, POC vice-president Manny Lopez, swimming association head Mark Joseph, former PSC chairman Philip Ella Juico, amateur boxing association head and ex-PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, one-time sports editor Clarito Samson and former Gintong Alay project director Joey Romasanta.
Romasanta is currently the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) spokesperson.
The new set of PSC officials are expected to buckle down to work immediately and fast-track the athletes' preparation for two major events this year – the first-ever World Youth Olympics in Singapore next month and the Guangzhou Asian Games in China in November.
For Garcia, his main objective is to unify the working relationship between the PSC and the POC after almost one-year of tumultuous relationship between both sports bodies.
The PSC, then under the leadership of former Manila congressman Harry Angping, has been at odds with the national olympic body headed by Peping Cojuangco, uncle of President Noynoy Aquino. - JVP, RCJ/Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV
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