The Philippine Sports Commission has formally received EJ Obiena’s letter regarding his stance of backing out of the mediation process that will involve him and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
On Monday morning, the 26-year-old Tondo-born pole vaulter announced that he will no longer participate in the mediation, which has the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center also helping in the process.
Obiena, an Olympian, cited “bad faith” from PATAFA as reason.
“The Philippine Sports Commission has received communication from Mr. EJ Obiena, sent through his lawyer via email, that Mr. Obiena will no longer participate in the mediation proceedings,” read the statement of the PSC, which is headed by chairman Butch Ramirez.
“As mediation requires for the voluntary agreement of both parties for the process to proceed, we inform you that mediation is temporarily on hold.”
The PSC still maintains that mediation is still the best option to resolve the ongoing row between Obiena and the national sports agency that centers around liquidation.
“Despite this development, we maintain our stand that mediation is still the best option to resolve this matter.”
For his part, PSC also bared that Obiena has already submitted his liquidation reports. These are now with the Commission on Audit.
“Mr. Obiena has submitted his liquidation reports. The PSC’s accounting office and the Commission on Audit shall proceed with their normal post-audit process of checking and verification on submitted liquidation documents.”
