Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) – Two-time Olympian Donnie Geisler filed complaints against the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) for alleged anti-competitive practices and “abuses” towards him through the years.
According to the 41-year old athlete, the PTA has been discriminating his efforts to promote the sport as a Taekwondo coach and business owner since 2014.
“I just want to be vindicated of all the abuse that has happened throughout the years”, he bared.
“I call it abuse because it’s been many years already and the people I treated as family unfortunately they don’t treat me the same way”.
Geisler and his lawyer filed the complaint Wednesday morning at the Philippine Competition Commission that cited provisions of the Philippine Competition Act.
Geisler, however, remained tight-lipped on the details of the alleged injustices to not “preempt the complaint”.
It was a recent incident, though, involving the guesting of SEA Games medalists Samuel Morrison and Arven Alcantara in his online Taekwondo class that fueled Geisler to take legal action.
In what he described as “dirty tactics”, the PTA allegedly barred and sanctioned national athletes from participating as guest speakers in his virtual class despite him seeking permission.
“When they saw that it was doing well, they said I had to ask permission so I did it. I went to the proper avenues, I called the people like the coaches to inform them that I will be inviting (national athletes) but when it was 2-3 days prior, they stopped them.”
Taekwondo star Pauline Lopez was also tapped to appear in the training session conducted via Zoom but was allegedly not permitted by the governing body.
“They gave me no reason. I’ve been asking what is the basis? What are the protocols that they’re claiming? They didn’t give me any”, Geisler revealed.
He also disclosed that his Saturday sessions were free of charge and were created to inspire his students during the ongoing pandemic. He also said the schedules of the guesting were well-coordinated in a way that wouldn’t interfere with the athletes’ training.
“If they see that I use the athletes, it’s not in that direction.” he explained. “I believe there’s nothing wrong if you want to invite because basically it’s not a public thing and it’s only plainly for my students and not to promote anything at all.”
When asked about the resolution, Geisler’s legal counsel Atty. Jay Sangalang answered “we just want to stop them from committing these abuses and for Donnie to be able to conduct his activities without any pressure or harassment”.
PTA Secretary General Rocky Samson denied the allegations being made against them and stressed that Geisler knew about the long-standing protocols of the governing body.
READ: PH Taekwondo Association surprised with Geisler’s allegations of “abuse”
