PSC puts EJ Obiena-PATAFA mediation on hold

The PSC will still wait for EJ Obiena to finally enter mediation with PATAFA. Reuters (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Despite EJ Obiena pulling himself out of the mediation process with the Philippine Athletic Track and Field Association, the Philippine Sports Commission is just postponing it.

In a statement on Tuesday, a day after Obiena announced his decision to back out of the talks, the PSC said that it is putting the process on hold, likely until Obiena retracts and finally says yes to it.

"As mediation requires for the voluntary agreement of both parties for the process to proceed, we inform you that mediation is temporarily on hold," the PSC said.

The PSC remains firm that the mediation process is the best way to finally put the rift between Obiena and PATAFA stemming from liquidation issues to rest.

"We maintain our stand that mediation is still the best option to resolve this matter," the PSC further said.

Speaking of liquidation, the PSC also confirmed that Obiena has already accomplished his liquidation reports.

"Mr. Obiena has submitted his liquidation reports. The PSC’s accounting office and the Commission on Audit shall proceed with their normal post-audit process of checking and verification on submitted liquidation documents," the PSC further stated.

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