EJ Obiena confirms receiving offers from other countries before, but has 'no desire to change nations'

Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena on Monday confirmed having offers to change nationalities before, but insisted that he will stay a Filipino.

In a Facebook post, Obiena talked about loyalty amid reports about other countries' offers to him. "This is a fact. It is also true I have been approached several years ago already by other nations, floating lucrative pay packages to compete for their flag," he said.

Obiena, however, said he and his mentor James Lafferty agree that loyalty matters. "I therefore said 'no' several years ago. I love my country.  I am proud to compete for the flag of the Philippines," he added.

Despite the offers, the Asian pole vault record holder said he has no desire to change nationalities.

"Even now, in this current crisis, I have no desire to change nations. I see these statements on social media and active encouragement to switch allegiances.  But this is not who I am and why I do this. I want to win for [the] Philippines and show the world what we can do. I want to win for us," said Obiena.

Obiena added that he does not want to "be forced into choices I don’t want to make" in the future. "It seems to be happening a lot lately like defending myself in a rushed presscon. But my goal is focused on winning gold medals for my nation, my country, my flag—The Philippines," he said.

Talking about loyalty, the Olympian is also questioning the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association's (PATAFA) move against him.

"When one values loyalty, one cannot comprehend how my own 'mother organization' turned on me, never consulted with me, never asked me any questions, never gave me the benefit of the doubt. That’s not loyalty. Again, at least not how I define it," he said.

"I am fighting to bring honor and glory for my country. Others fight for ego, or power. But that’s not me. I fight for higher principles. Loyalty is a virtue. And loyalty still matters."

Earlier, the Philippine Sports Commission set a December 15 deadline for the approval of mediation between Obiena and PATAFA. The Philippine Olympic Committee also said they are looking into the issue.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News