THE Philippine Sports Commission yesterday forwarded a “Mediation Submission Agreement” to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena in a bid to resolve the volatile dispute between the two parties over the alleged non-payment or delay in salaries of Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov.
A sworn affidavit released last Oct. 21 by World Athletics Vice President Sergey Bubka, who was groomed by Petrov to become a world and Olympic champion, said the Ukrainian mentor was not given his salaries released by the PSC from 2018 until last September. The government funds came from the PSC that was coursed to Obiena over the period.
In a statement, the PSC said Chairman Butch Ramirez expects both Patafa and Obiena “to signify their agreement by signing the document.”
After both parties have signed the document, the PSC said it “will initiate the mediation process, a mode of alternative dispute resolution to assist the parties in resolving their dispute speedily and amicably.”
The PSC said the agreement would provide the framework for “the formal appointment of the mediator, the rules to be used and the place of mediation.
“The agreement also provides that in case that there is no settlement within 30 calendar days from the commencement of the mediation, the dispute shall be finally resolved by arbitration.
“After the said mediation efforts, the PSC Board will evaluate the facts to decide its next course of action.”
In his second term as head of the government sports agency, Ramirez said he is “worried over both personalities involved and hopes that the issue be settled as soon as possible.”
“The role of the mediator is merely to facilitate communication, identify issues and help the parties arrive at a settlement. My role as mediator is not to decide who is right or wrong.
We are after a win-win solution for both sides,” Ramirez stressed. “The goal is to preserve relationships of the disputing parties.”
Ramirez added he is worried about Obiena and athletics chief Philip Ella Juico.
“EJ is carrying this burden all alone overseas, away from family and friends. I am concerned about Mr. Juico’s health. The earlier we can sit down and talk, the earlier we can resolve this,” he said.
In assuming the role of mediator, a PSC insider said Ramirez aims “to save Obiena, assistance to Patafa for other athletes, and improve the help being given to other athletes who trained abroad sent by their National Sports Association to avoid the burden on their part.”
