Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) chief Philip Juico said they are open to mediation with Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena but clarified they needed to finish the investigation first before they could talk.
Speaking to Noli Eala in Saturday’s Power and Play program, Juico said finishing the investigation is crucial “to know the bounds of the discussion.”
“There is no such thing as bridges that have been burned,” the longtime association president and former Philippine Sports Commission chairman said.
“We are mature people. We can always talk, but we have the commitment to the Board, to the PSC and to everyone to finish the investigation first.”
Patafa has formed an administrative committee to deal with Obiena’s alleged misuse of government funds intended for his Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov. This includes looking at liquidation records and date stamps of payments.
PSC has ordered Patafa and Obiena to handle the issue privately, but Juico offered to air their side after getting attacks and criticisms from the public.
“First, we never leaked the document,” said Juico, rationalizing that Patafa is bound to protect the association and the athletes’ honor and integrity.
“Napakasimple lang nito. Nagtatanong lang kami and we gave him time to respond. I just find it strange na we are doing our jobs as part of our governance and our task to protect government assets, bakit kami ang napeperwisyo dito.”
Juico also said they never neglected Obiena during his training and competitions from Formia, Italy and has in fact received around P40 million worth of financial assistance over the last five to six years excluding his allowances and incentives.
“That’s probably more than what Carlo Paalam or Nesthy Petecio or Eumir Marcial got,” said Juico, referring to the three Tokyo Olympics medalists.
So far, both Patafa and Obiena are waiting for the schedule of their mediation.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has also formed an Ethics Committee to handle the issue.