By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) has formally signed the mediation agreement to finally resolve its dispute with Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
In a letter dated Jan. 11 addressed to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Butch Ramirez, Patafa Board Member Datu Yusoph Mama wrote on behalf of the board to confirm their participation in the mediation process.
Representing Patafa in the PSC mediation will be its president Philip Juico, lawyer Aldrin Cabiles and Alfonso Sta. Clara.
Patafa also stressed it has also agreed to defer the implementations of approved recommendations that include Obiena’s expulsion from the national team for a period of two weeks, or until Jan. 19.
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez has earlier demanded for all the parties involved in the ongoing dispute to allow the government sports agency to do its part in resolving the situation.
According to Ramirez, it is only an issue of a “simple liquidation compliance” that went out of proportion.
“Without humility from both sides, EJ (Obiena), Patafa and the POC, without humility, without generosity, respect and forgiveness, it’s impossible to resolve the dispute,” he said.
