POC ethics committee to start probe on Obiena-PATAFA funding issue

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has ordered its ethics committee to start its investigation into the funding issue involving pole vault ace EJ Obiena and his federation, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), next week.

According to POC chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, the probe came in the wake of a complaint filed by Obiena before the Athletes Commission and Safe Sports Technical Working Group.

“The POC assures that it will resolve the issues with expediency and hold people who are accountable,” Tolentino said in a statement.

Obiena’s complaint, according to the POC, was lodged against the national federation and its president, Philip Ella "Popoy" Juico.

For transparency, POC said that the ethics committee is being chaired by rowing’s Patrick Gregorio with sailing’s Ernesto Echauz and bridge’s Gerry Alquiros serving as members.

Obiena, who represented the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, went on record last Sunday and denied the allegations thrown at him by PATAFA and even threatened to retire if the issues won't be settled.

The Philippines Sports Commission (PSC), though, demanded both parties refrain from issuing further statements until after the matter is resolved.

—JMB, GMA News