Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) – Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena still has a shot to defend his Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) title in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.
Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Philip Ella Juico clarified on Wednesday that Obiena can be included in their 31st SEAG roster.
“Obiena’s inclusion to the national squad to the Vietnam SEA Games and other international tournaments are pending until the completion of the mediation process organized by the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) and as part of the PATAFA board policy,” Juico said in a message to CNN Philippines.
Juico made the remark after Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino lamented PATAFA’s failure to endorse Obiena for his upcoming competitions like the 31st SEAG, World Indoor Pole Vault Championships on March 18-20, World Pole Vault Championships on July 15-24, and the 19th Asian Games in September.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk, Tolentino said international athletics governing body World Athletics has yet to respond to their letter asking if POC’s endorsement alone will suffice in allowing Obiena to participate in his major tournaments this year.
“We can include him in the list of the delegation in Group B kaya nga both sana mag-endorse siguradong (that’s why he should be endorsed both by PATAFA and POC and I’m sure) 100% he can compete,” he said.
“Pag kami lang ang nag-endorse, yun ang (If we’re the only ones to endorse him, that will be the) test case: will he be allowed? Tolentino also said. “I don’t know.”
Tolentino also expressed hope that the national athletics body will act in good faith in their mediation process with Obiena and give their nod for the Olympian’s SEAG title defense before the deadline of submission of each country’s roster of athletes this weekend.
“Ang haba pa naman, pwede namang i-endorse (There’s still time left, we can still endorse) before March 13 or March 13, then after that pwede naman din nilang ituloy yung (they can continue with their) mediation – so for me that’s the best solution,” the POC chief said.
PATAFA, however, did not include Obiena in its initial Vietnam SEAG national athletics team roster released on Tuesday.
Instead, veteran pole vaulter Hokett Delos Santos was listed after clearing the 5.00-meter qualifying standard in the PATAFA SEAG Performance Trials held late last month in Baguio City and Imus, Cavite.
