PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman Noli Eala announced yesterday that he has struck a “verbal agreement” with Ernest John Obiena to avoid the past problems the outstanding pole vaulter faced in the past regarding the support the PSC is giving him.
“We talked about his problems with the PSC in general at mayroon na kaming verbal na kasunduan with EJ na hindi na mauulit ‘yung problema (regarding funds) niya in the past,” Eala said.
The PSC chief made the announcement after a long chat with Obiena who called on him yesterday, with German girlfriend and fellow athlete Caroline Joyeux in tow, a few hours upon his arrival in the country.
“From what I understand from PSC executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., the PSC is refunding some of the expenses that Obiena requested in the past that had not been given,” Eala said.
“We talked about his training needs, about his coaches and his (support) team. We asked him about his training and how there can be a transfer of technology in the Philippines,” Eala said. “These are all going to be laid out, including opportunities for our athletes to be with him (in Italy).
“I certainly hope we can proceed from now on with smooth sailing in terms of his relationships not only with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association but also with the PSC.”
Under former Patafa president Philip Ella Juico, Obiena’s funding from the PSC was suspended in August 2022 over alleged mishandling of PSC funds that were given directly to him.
This included long-delayed payments to his Ukrainian coach, Vitaly Petrov, accusations that the athlete and coach both denied.
The row was settled after a mediation brokered by former PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, with new Patafa president Terry Capistrano and the PSC recently announcing that Obiena has been reinstated to the national team.
Obiena is back in the country nearly three years since winning his first gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December 2019 at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
“I am really overwhelmed. It’s good to be back home,” said Obiena. “Being here brings back good memories because the Rizal Memorial is where my sports career all began with other national athletes.”
After winding up his outdoor season campaign with his sixth win in the last eight meets at the Gala dei Castelli meet in Bellinzona, Switzerland last Monday, Obiena is taking his mind off pole vaulting for the next three weeks.
“I am planning to go somewhere in some islands in the Philippines and really just disconnect. It’s been three years that I haven’t had an off season. This is my time to spend with my family and really have a break,” Obiena said.
