Iginiit ng Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) na hindi sila tumanggi na iindorso si EJ Obiena sa pakikilahok sa World Athletics Indoor Championship at sa Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Reaksyon ito ng PATAFA matapos suspendihin ng Philippine Olympic Committee executive committee ang nasabing national sports association (NSA) sa loob ng 90 araw nitong Huwebes.

Itinanggi ng PATAFA na hindi nila inindorso si Obiena sa malalaking international competition at sumusunod lamang umano sila sa panawagan ng Senado na sumailalim sila sa mediation sa Philippine Sports Commission.

Tinukoy ng PATAFA ang isang liham na may petsang Pebrero 24.

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“Patafa did not refuse to endorse EJ Obiena in international competitions. In the Patafa letter dated February 28, 2022, PATAFA responded to EJ Obiena that it ‘will not act on your letter dated February 24, 2022 pending completion of the mediation process organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The deferral of any action on EJ Obiena’s letter is consistent with the directive of the Senate Committee to undergo mediation, which Patafa is currently participating in,” ayon sa nasabing NSA.

Ayon sa PATAFA, tumugon lamang sila sa aksyon ng POCexecutive committee na patawan sila ng tatlong buwang suspensyon at sinabing hindi umano nila inindorso si Obiena sa mga international tournament na pinangangasiwaan ng World Athletics.

“Patafa was not afforded due process and has yet to receive any official document on the alleged POC suspension,” ayon pa sa PATAFA.