Deputy speaker and renowned sportsman Rep. Eric Martinez appealed to the public to not judge nor malign Olympian EJ Obiena as he figures in the most challenging time of his life.
On Tuesday, Obiena was expelled by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) from the national team.
In addition, EJ and his mom Jeanette are set to be sued by the national sports agency for estafa, claiming that they embezzled funds from the federation.
For the lawmaker, he is hoping that the court of public opinion does not go against Obiena.
“We should not jump to conclusions right away without a hint of due process involve in resolving this issue,” he said.
Martinez wondered why the issue has gone to this length as Vitaly Petrov has already gone on record that he was paid by Obiena.
Jim Lafferty, a PATAFA booster and adviser to Obiena, would add that the pole vaulter also went overboard in his payments to the Ukrainian mentor.
PATAFA is set to raise an inquiry on Petrov to World Athletics while Lafferty is said to be declared as a persona non-grata by the NSA.
“The highly-respected Ukrainian coach even mentioned that he did not initiate any complaint against Obiena and understands that the delay on the release of his coaching fees is not the pole-vaulter’s responsibility.”
For Martinez, this should not have taken place as Obiena is currently preparing for his title defense in the Southeast Asian Games and a redemption campaign in the Asian Games.
“We do not treat a world class Filipino athlete like that, he is the future of Philippine Athletics.”
