PSC puts PATAFA-EJ Obiena mediation on hold after pole vaulter withdraws

The Philippine Sports Commission is putting its offer of mediation between the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and EJ Obiena on hold after the latter withdrew from joining the process.

In a statement, the sports body said it has received an email from the pole vaulter's lawyer about Obiena's decision to no longer participate in the proceedings and said that without Obiena's presence, the mediation will now be put off indefinitely.

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

Despite suspending the mediation, the PSC maintained that mediation was still "the best option" to resolve the issue between Obiena and the athletics body regarding PATAFA's allegations of misuse of funds leveled against the athlete.

World no. 5 Obiena on Monday announced that he was rejecting PSC's mediation offer, citing "bad faith" on the part of PATAFA and its president, Popoy Juico. Obiena added that he can't enter into a mediation "with people who are seemingly focused on destroying me."

The PSC also bared that Obiena has concluded his liquidation reports and that the Commission on Audit will now review and verify the documents.

"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."

—JMB, GMA News