PSC calls off mediation between PATAFA, EJ Obiena

EJ Obiena will not be undergoing mediation with PATAFA after the PSC called it off. Reuters (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The Philippine Sports Commission has dropped the idea of having both the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and EJ Obiena undergo mediation to fix their beef.

The PSC announced on Monday that the mediation is now off at least for now following Obiena's statement on Christmas Eve of his conditions before undergoing through it.

Obiena on Friday night said that he would let the Philippine Olympic Committee complete its investigation regarding his row with PATAFA first and have the liquidation of his payments to Coach Vitaly Petrov be made public before he undergoes mediation.

Obiena, however, clarified that he is in favor of mediation and quickly said yes to it when it was offered to him last month.

"In light of the recent decision of Mr. Ernest John Obiena as posted on his social media account, the Philippine Sports Commission humbly informs the public that we are discontinuing the mediation offer," PSC's statement read. "The agency leaves the mediation table, respecting the decision of Mr. Obiena who chose to submit to procedures conducted by other institutions."

However, the PSC insisted "that mediation should be the first course of action being the more peaceful, equitable, confidential, voluntary option to resolve issues."

In fact, the PSC is keeping the door open should both Obiena and PATAFA finally agree to undergo the process.

"The PSC though is keeping its doors open to the process should both parties agree to it in the future," the statement concluded.

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