The Senate Committee on Sports has issued a show cause order to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) board of directors, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said on Sunday.
Go, who chairs the Senate sports panel, said the show cause order enjoins them to explain why they shouldn’t be cited for contempt for filing an arbitration case despite a prior commitment to undergo mediation proceedings with the country’s top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.
Four senators earlier filed a motion to hold the PATAFA Board in contempt for not complying with the panel’s order in relation to the hearing conducted by the Senate sports committee.
Go earlier reiterated his disappointment amid the conflict between PATAFA and Obiena which hindered the latter from competing in several international competitions, hampering the country’s expectations of getting the gold medal.
“Ako po, full support ako sa mga atleta. Pero sana naman po tama na po ‘yung pulitika. Ang ibig sabihin, kung maaari po ay magkaisa kayo para sa ating bansa dahil may mga future competitions pa tayong inaasahan at malaki ang potential po ni Obiena ( I am in full support of all our athletes. But I do hope that we stop this politics. We can unite for our country because we have future competitions that we expect to participate in and Obiena is full of potential),” said Go.
Go also emphasized that athletes should be able to concentrate on their training rather than on other issues that can divert their attention away from their goals.
“Mentally...draining po yun. Nakaka-drain po ng utak dahil habang nag te-training ka, dapat focus ka lang sa iyong pagte-traiining,” he said.