CHAIR of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go presided over the joint Senate Committee hearing on Monday, February 7, regarding the rift between pole vaulter and Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
Leading the public hearing of the Senate Sports Committee, joint with the Finance Committee, Go emphasized the need to identify possible government interventions to resolve the issues or craft necessary legislation to avoid such conflicts from recurring.
He then urged concerned agencies and organizations to always prioritize the welfare of athletes.
“Nandito po tayo ngayon para pag-usapan ang mga isyung ito at tugunan po ang ugat ng mga nakakagulat na pangyayari. Sa akin naman po, nandito po ako para pumagitna sa PATAFA at kay Mr. Obiena para po maayos ang gusot na ito,” said Go.
“Priority ko pong maiwasan at hindi na maulit ang mga sitwasyong katulad nito,” he added.
The dispute was reportedly caused by delayed payments to Obiena’s Ukrainian coach, Vitaly Petrov. PATAFA initially ordered Obiena to return funds intended for Petrov, accusing the pole vaulter of faking liquidation records and embezzlement. Obiena and Petrov both refuted the claims.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) initially stepped in as a mediator, asking Obiena and PATAFA to desist from making public pronouncements. The PSC stated that it will remain open to spearheading any mediation between Obiena and PATAFA.
Expressing his frustration over the controversy, Go strongly recommended for the PSC to regularly meet and coordinate with the Philippine Olympic Committee to ensure that all assistance needed by the athletes are promptly provided and such conflicts are immediately resolved.
“Alam n’yo, tuwing mayroong Asian Games, mayroong Southeast Asian Games – even the recent Southeast Asian Games, pagkatapos, after giving honor to our country eh ang nangyayari doon na naman ‘yung nagsisisihan – Saan na ‘yung pera? Anong nangyari? Sino ang nakatanggap? Walang katapusan,” remarked Go.
“So, ibig kong sabihin dito, kaya nga po tayo mayroong PSC, it’s high time na you should step up at magpagitna, hindi ‘yung Senado ang referee dito. Kami rito gagawa kami ng, maybe, bagong batas na para to strengthen PSC dahil dito… tapusin natin ito ngayong araw na ito at ang PSC po dapat ang magpagitna d’yan,” he added.
Go then said that the hearing aims to come up with meaningful recommendations in aid of legislation to boost the morale of athletes, improve their performance in their respective fields, and foster better relationships among various sports organizations and athletes.
“Yet, we must do so in a spirit of fair play and justice,” he added.
Meanwhile, stressing the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen the country’s sports program and safeguard the welfare of the athletes, Go pointed out that the exemplary performance of the Philippines in various international sports competitions in recent years is no coincidence.
“Alam naman po natin kung gaano ka-dedikado ang mga atletang Pilipino kapag nabibigyan lang sila ng tamang mga oportunidad at pag-alalay, suporta po. Maliban sa pagiging mapagpursige, likas din po talagang magagaling ang mga Pilipino sa larangan ng sports,” he said.
