By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The EJ Obiena-PATAFA issue is getting deeper.
After the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) accused the star pole vaulter of embezzlement regarding his head coach Vitaly Petrov’s salary, Obiena now claims that the sporting body is just ‘shifting allegations.’
A day after Obiena replied to PATAFA’s statement, the sporting body was quick to counter and immediately asked for the concrete proof that the pole vaulter really paid his coach on time.
“I am personally shocked at the recent statement and shifting allegations of PATAFA. From their written letters of accusing me of embezzlement; to suddenly changing it to timing of payments,” explained Obiena in his statements.
PATAFA ordered Obiena to return 85,000 euros (4.8 million pesos) which they claimed wasn’t delivered to coach Petrov in a letter they received from National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Sergey Bubka.
However, Obiena denied all the allegations and cleared their side during an online press conference.
Coach Petrov was sitting beside Obiena and said: “I don’t understand what this federation is doing and what comes out of this. This is a shame.”
Obiena admitted that he did send some of the payments to Petrov late but it was because of time constraints where he would be the one to process all the required steps just to get the money sent from the Philippines.
“When I am changing countries every 36 hours, I am sorry I can’t stop everything and reconcile all my finances,” added Obiena.
Obiena then reiterated that he is determined to clear his name even if it means taking matters legally.
“I will clear my name. I will raise all legal challenges and I want this to be put into a court of law, where all evidence must be exposed. It is clear I am not wanted by my federation in any shape or form. I am attacked without any due process and now narrative and accusations have somehow changed,” continued Obiena in his statement.
