Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez announced that Olympian pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the leadership of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) have finally settled their differences during the fifth mediation proceedings .
“The Philippine Athletics 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. Both parties have also agreed that endorsement for the participation of Mr. Obiena in other competitions will be subject to the usual rules and regulations of the PATAFA, as observed for the participation of all national athletes,” said PSC’s statement.
According to the PSC, Patafa president Philip Ella Juico, Obiena, and Ramirez met in a virtual room to discuss matters. At the end of it all, Obiena apologized to the Patafa, its board members, and Juico.
“It is with much joy that we announce that both parties have agreed to a settlement and the proceedings ended successfully,” read the statement released by PSC.
Patafa has also agreed to endorse Obiena for the 2022 Southeast Asian Games and the 2022 World Outdoor Athletics and other competitions.
The two parties have also assured each other of forgiveness, to start anew and move on.
Additional Reports: Sunstar, Manila times
Image Source: CNN PH, GMA network
