THE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) on Friday released a statement that it has “moved on” two days after its president was declared persona non grata by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
“The Patafa [therefore] chooses to move on. There’s so much work to be done and attention that needs to be given to our more than 50 athletes, coaches and other stakeholders,” the national sports association said in a statement signed by its chairman, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and president, Dr. Philip Ella Juico.
“All of them need to be given the same proportionate opportunities provided to an exclusive circle. Our athletes continue to train for the forthcoming Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi and the Asian Games in China,” the statement added.
Thirty-six of the 54 regular members of POC ratified the Executive Board’s recommendation that Juico be a persona non grata for “harassing” Ernest John “EJ” Obiena by making “malicious public accusations” against world-class pole vaulter.
“With respect to Mr. Ernest John Obiena, he has chosen to remove himself from the jurisdiction of Patafa. He decided to align, work with and avail himself of total support purportedly guaranteed by his patrons, agents and political backers,” the statement said. “They are expected to support his training, maintenance, medical needs and compliance with requirements of Tournament organizers.”
The Patafa added: “Even as Patafa consider this Obiena case closed, with the COA [Commission on Audit] doing a special audit, the Patafa is constrained by law and policies to pursue legal options as identified by the committee which investigated the allegations against him. This responsibility falls on our shoulders.”
“We wish Mr. Obiena Godspeed and success in his endeavors,” the Patafa statement ended.