PSC discontinues mediation offer for EJ Obiena-PATAFA rift

The Philippine Sports Commission on Monday said that it is discontinuing its mediation offer to resolve the rift between Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), following the pole vaulter's statement last Friday.

"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," the sports agency said in a statement.

"The agency leaves the mediation table, respecting the decision of Mr. Obiena who chose to submit to procedures conducted by other institutions," it added.

On Christmas Eve, Obiena said he wants to finish first the process conducted by the Philippine Olympic Committee regarding his filed case on harassment before he proceeds with the PSC mediation.

"If after the POC process is final, and my payment records are public, there is still a belief in mediation then at that time I am 100% ready to sit down and do so," he said in his post.

Despite the discontinuation of the offer, the PSC said it is keeping its doors open should the two parties agree to do it in the future.

"We have to underscore that mediation should be the first course of action being the more peaceful, equitable, confidential, voluntary option to resolve issues. The PSC though is keeping its doors open to the process should both parties agree to it in the future," it said.

PATAFA, according to reports, recently encouraged Obiena to accept PSC's mediation offer.

The PSC last November 25 offered to mediate between Obiena and PATAFA to resolve the issue on the Olympian's financial assistance.

—JMB, GMA News