PSC, NBI launch probe on karatedo

The Philippine Sports Commission will invite the top officials of the Philippine Karatedo Federation to shed light on allegations that some members of the national karatedo team got shortchanged on allowances during their training in Germany middle of the year.

PSC Chair Butch Ramirez has instructed Executive Director Sannah Frivaldo to look into the complaint and sit down with PKF president Joey Romasanta and secretary general Raymund Lee Reyes to get their side.

According to PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez, the 14-man Philippine team which trained in Germany from July 20 to Aug. 9 did not receive the full allowance due them from the sports-financing agency.

“I’m looking forward to be one with the PSC to have this effectively clarified for the sake of the athletes,” said Romasanta.

Documents provided by Fernandez showed the PSC allocated P3,217,874.75 for the entire trip, including airfare, accommodations, meals, transportation, gym rental and allowances, among others.

Each member of the team had a daily allowance of $90 or $1,800 for 20 days, but some athletes told Fernandez they only received 400 Euros or roughly $470.

The PSC has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to come up with a separate investigation while Frivaldo conducts her own probe.

The PKF, one of 40 national sports associations recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee, draws funding to train its athletes from the PSC.

Members of the karatedo team included OJ Delos Santos, Jayson Ramil Macaalay, Carmelo Patricio Jr., Ireneo Soriano Jr., Miyuki Tacay, Mae Soriano, Rexor Tacay, John Paul Bejar, Engener Stoner Dagohoy, John Michael Vincent Badil, Erica Celine Samonte, Kimvely Madrona and Sharief Afif.