Pacquiao offers to mediate between EJ Obiena and PATAFA

Boxing legend-turned-lawmaker Manny Pacquiao on Wednesday said world-class athletes like pole vaulter EJ Obiena should be spared from “senseless conflicts."

The senator, who is running for president in Eleksyon 2022, made the remark a day after the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) dropped Olympian Obiena from the national team over alleged misuse of funds.

“We should stop this kind of  senseless conflicts  that ultimately affect world class athletes like EJ Obiena. As a former athlete, I fully understand the feelings  of EJ who sacrificed blood, sweat and tears just to get to where he is,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

“Tulungan natin siyang magtagumpay at hindi yung wawasakin  pa ang kanyang mga  pinaghirapan. Ej is a once-in-lifetime treasure in Philippine sports, huwag natin siyang sayangin,” he added.

(Let us support him and stop putting his sacrifices to waste. EJ is a once-in-lifetime treasure in Philippine sports. We should not let the country lose someone like him.)

Pacquiao also offered to mediate between Obiena and PATAFA if needed.

“If needed, I can offer myself and my office to the PSC so that everyone can sit down and sort this out. Huwag na po tayong maging technical dito. Ayusin na lang natin ito nang sa gayon ay makapag-ensayo na sa EJ sa kanyang mga susunod na laban,” he said.

(If needed, I can offer myself and my office to the PSC so that everyone can sit down and sort this out. Let us not be technical about this. Let us fix this so that EJ could train for his next games.)

The lawmaker also welcomed the move made by the Philippine Sports Commission to “calm down” all parties involved in this issue.

“Mas makakabuti sa lahat na mag-usap at maghanap ng solusyon sa gusot sa pagitan ni Ej at ni PATAFA President Phillip Ella Juico. I trust that everyone would comply to the recommendations of the PSC,” he said.

(It is better for everyone to talk and find a solution on the issue between EJ and PATAFA President Phillip Ella Juico.)—LDF, GMA News