PATAFA moving on from EJ Obiena, but will still pursue legal action vs pole vaulter

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) on Friday said it was moving on from its row with Olympian EJ Obiena though it may still pursue legal action against the pole vaulter.

In a statement, PATAFA chairman Rufus Rodriguez and president Popoy Juico said the athletics body is closing the chapter on Obiena after his decision to "remove himself from the jurisdiction of PATAFA."

"The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association moves on," the statement read.

"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."

Despite this, though, PATAFA said it will still follow through with potential legal action as COA continues to review and verify Obiena's liquidation report.

PATAFA earlier said it was pressing estafa charges against the world no. 5 over an alleged misuse of funds.

"Even as PATAFA considers this Obiena case closed, with the COA 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." the statement added.

"This responsibility falls on our shoulders."

PATAFA said it is instead shifting its focus to preparing the national team for the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games, which opens on May 12.

Aside from Obiena, other elite athletes under PATAFA's purview are Eric Cray, Kristina Knott, Natalie Uy, and William Morrisson, all of whom are defending gold medalists in the biennial meet.

"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," it said.

"All of them need to be given the same proportionate opportunities provided to an exclusive circle."

PATAFA's decision came just days after Obiena formally withdrew from the mediation process offered by the Philippine Sports Commission, citing bad faith on the part of the athletics body.

"We tried to talk to him and settle issues with him three times and made ourselves available for PSC’s mediation efforts," PATAFA added.

"But he spurned all these efforts even saying that we were entering the mediation in bad faith. He took a different path, preferring to do things his way which we will respect."

—JMB, GMA News