EJ Obiena, Patafa reach settlement after successful mediation-PSC

FILE–EJ Obiena and Patafa chief Philip Ella Juico.

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association have agreed to a settlement, according to the Philippine Sports Commission.

The PSC, which mediation proceedings, announced in a statement that Patafa and Obiena both agreed for settlement after the fifth session on Wednesday.

Patafa will now endorse Obiena in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam this May and the 2022 World Outdoor Athletics and competitions subject to the regulations of the federation.

“It is with much joy that we announce that both parties have agreed to a settlement and the proceedings ended successfully,” the statement read.

“The Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association (PATAFA), the sole governing body of Athletics as recognized by the World Athletics, has agreed to endorse Mr. EJ Obiena to the 2022 Southeast Asian Games and the 2022 World Outdoor Athletics.”

PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION
STATEMENT
March 30, 2022#PSCatWork pic.twitter.com/6XfrK8xz5m

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) March 30, 2022

Obiena was initally left off the SEA Games roster submitted by Patafa. The star pole vaulter also missed the World Athletics Indoor Championships last March 18 to 20 due to the NSA’s nonendorsement.

The statement added that the PSC Chairman William Ramirez, who served as the sole mediator in the proceedings, met with Obiena and Patafa president Philip Ella Juico in a virtual meeting.

The PSC said the pole vaulter apologized to Juico and his teammates.

“Mr. Obiena expressed his apologies to PATAFA, its board members, Mr. Juico and his teammates, and both have assured each other of forgiveness, to start anew and move on,” PSC wrote. “Chairman Ramirez declared that humility really played a big part in this process. He said that their decision to enter into this process was their first step towards a successful resolution.”

Earlier, POC also deferred its suspension of Patafa “in the spirit of sportsmanship.”