EJ bends backwards, agrees to mediation

MANILA, Philippines — After some reservations, Olympian EJ Obiena has finally relented to sit down and sort things out with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association with hopes of ending the impasse that has put a black mark on Philippine sports.

The Asian pole-vault record-holder agreed to mediation through a letter he sent to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez Thursday night or hours after PATAFA heeded the call of the sports-funding agency for possible reconciliatory talks.

“In so far as your directive to pursue a mediation among all parties concerned, me, my team, PATAFA, and POC (Philippine Olympic Committee), please note, that as a true sportsman, I am willing to participate in this mediation in order to find a peaceful solution,” said Obiena in a letter posted by sportscaster Dyan Castillejo on her social media account.

Ramirez, for his part, did not confirm nor deny he received Obiena’s letter but announced mediation has started.

“I will refrain from commenting. We are in the mediation process,” Ramirez yesterday told The STAR.