POC defers PATAFA suspension 'in the spirit of sportsmanship'

The Philippine Olympic Committee is deferring the suspension it earlier slapped against the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) for the latter's supposed failure to serve its purpose as athletics body.

"In the spirit of sportsmanship and because of the Lenten season, I deferred the move to suspend the PATAFA as decided by the POC Executive Board," POC president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Because of the unfinished mediation procedure between the PATAFA and EJ [Ernest John] Obiena, a vote to suspend the athletics federation wasn't offered to the GA."

However, Tolentino clarified that PATAFA's suspension will be part of the agenda in next month's General Assembly, which is set in late April or barely two weeks before the Vietnam SEA Games on May 12.

POC slapped PATAFA with the suspension last March 17 following its refusal to endorse pole vaulter Obiena to major tournaments like the SEA Games as well as the World Indoor Championships.

"For EJ's smooth participation in the Vietnam SEA Games, the PATAFA should be endorsing his participation," Tolentino said.

"If the PATAFA doesn't endorse EJ [Obiena] in the next GA, the suspension will be decided on the floor."

Meanwhile, the POC ratified the suspension on the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) during a General Assembly.

PHILTA was suspended for its non-compliance with an order from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to amend its charter and hold fresh elections to select a truly representative set of board members.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News