“WE are almost there.”
This was the optimistic pronouncement of Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez yesterday regarding the PSC’s mediation process between the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena.
“After meeting three to four times, the two parties are now talking like father and son,” noted Ramirez, adding their last dialog last Wednesday lasted more than seven hours, starting at 2 p.m. and ending at past 9 p.m.
“Starting from zero, both Patafa led by Dr. Philip Ella Juico and Obiena have agreed on 90 to 95 percent on what we discussed. I am positive by Friday, April 1—not April Fools’ Day— we will be successful. Pirma na lang ang kulang,” Ramirez said.
“Give us a chance to finish this (mediation) on Friday,” added Ramirez, aware the Philippine Olympic Committee is set to have a general assembly meeting today to decide on the suspension of the local track body.
Last March 27, the POC Executive Board led by POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino voted to suspend the local track body after it declined to endorse pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena in the last world indoor meet in Belgrade, Serbia and the 31st Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.
But based on the POC charter, the board decision needs to be ratified by two-thirds of the 56 POC regular members, or 37 votes, for it to be final and executory.
A PSC insider said it would be best for the POC to postpone any further action before the final agreement is announced on Friday.
Ramirez continued to recognize and respect the autonomy of the POC and NSA, imploring the media present during yesterday’s briefing to make his sentiments known on the raging controversy that has dragged Philippine sports for the last months.
“You can help me do positive things to heal the wounds. That humility, generosity and the key principles of Olympism such as respect, friendship and excellence can be adhered to in reality by these two gentlemen,” Ramirez stressed.
“I hope we can patch up that one this coming Friday. I hope you can help me navigate this aspect as the one in charge of Philippine sports,” he said.
