Amid the PATAFA-EJ Obiena rift, PSC lays down orders: 'Let us resolve this like sportsmen'

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has laid down several demands for the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and EJ Obiena amid the ongoing rift between the athletics body and the pole vaulter.

PSC chairman William Ramirez on Wednesday demanded Obiena to immediately finish his liquidation of accounts so that PSC can continue to financially support him. The government agency also asked PATAFA to revisit its decision to remove Obiena from the national team over his alleged misuse of funds.

PSC, who recently discontinued its offer of mediation to resolve the issue, also ordered POC to serve as bridge between PATAFA and Obiena and to not add anymore fuel to the fire.

"We demand for the PATAFA, EJ, the POC and all the parties who wish to stoke the fire of this mad issue to stop," Ramirez said in a statement.

"You have all publicly recognized the PSC and asked us to help resolve the issue, please listen to us on this simple request. Stop issuing public statements and come to the table with us to discuss this matter."

The demands came after the PSC Board met earlier today to discuss its action on the issue that Ramirez felt "has dragged on and have pulled the nation’s name to the mire of negativity in the international sports scene."

Ramirez revealed that Obiena has already submitted his partial liquidation report, which is now being examined and verified as the longtime sports official called the brouhaha as a "a simple case of liquidation."

"We are sportsmen, proudly calling the Philippines our motherland. Instead of throwing accusations against each other, can we not talk as sportsmen trained and exposed to the core values of Olympism — excellence, friendship, and respect."

Ramirez said PSC is set to sit down with all the parties involved within the day and is hopeful to arrive at a resolution soon. The PSC is expected to relay all related information to the Office of the President today.

"We are here, we have offered our neutral table to seek a peaceful resolution to this from the very beginning," PSC added. "It is one thing to declare your stand publicly and one thing to follow it through with action. If we really all desire to see this to resolution, please listen to us." — LA, GMA News