PSC sacks Pabillore, 4 other karatekas

MANILA—For refusing to compete in the ongoing Philippine National Games in Bacolod, Asian Games silver medalist Marna Pabillore and four other national karatedo athletes have been stripped of their monthly allowances and lodging privileges. Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia said Pabillore, also a back-to-  back Southeast Asian Games champion, as well as Sharif Afif, Jan Paul Morales, Raymund Mejico, Renato Manalo and their coaches will be removed from the payroll starting June. The group will also be asked to vacate their quarters at the PhilSports complex. “They knew the consequences of their acts, or maybe they really intended to do that,” said Garcia in yesterday’s Usapang POC radio show on Sports Radio.

“Not only the athletes but also the coaches—they will all be removed if there’s no valid reason. If they are injured, we need medical certificates.”

All five karatekas are loyal to the group of Go Teng Kok, who heads a faction in the Philippine Karatedo Federation.

Go, who is also the national athletics chief, is contesting the federation’s presidency with the group of Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta, who has since stepped down as POC-recognized PKF head.

Go said the athletes did not intend to boycott the PNG but were wary they wouldn’t get a fair shake because the tournament is being run by David Lay and Raymund Lee Reyes, two officials identified with Romasanta.

“How can they expect fair officiating when the officials are from the [other] group,” said Go.

The PKF held POC-mandated elections in Bacolod last Wednesday with board member Enrico Vasquez unanimously elected as the new PKF chief, replacing Romasanta.

“We have already warned all athletes in the national pool that those who fail to compete in the Games for no valid reason will be stricken off the payroll,” Garcia said. “What they (the karatekas) did is clear insubordination and we are here to protect government funds.”