Karatekas seek swift end to PKF controversy

Members of the karate national team are hopeful the internal problem within their federation will finally come to an end in order for them to fully concentrate in their training for the Asian Games in Jakarta.

The training of the karatekas is currently under the supervision of the Philippine Sports Institute under technical director Marc Velasco following the decision of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to suspend all national team coaches amid the issue over alleged misappropriation of government funds by the Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF).

The controversy also led to the suspension of financial assistance to the PKF by the PSC pending the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation regarding the matter.

“It’s sad that we are currently in this situation,” said Mae Soriano, a bronze medalist in the last Asiad, in Filipino. “We athletes are the ones affected so we hope this issue gets settled soon.”

Soriano was among the 18 national team members who signed a formal manifesto expressing their loss of confidence in the leadership of the PKF under president Joey Romasanta and secretary general Raymund Lee Reyes.

They issued their official stand during Wednesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Tapa King in Farmer’s Market, Cubao.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) accompanied the group.