PSC is taking steps to resolve the issues.
What was shaping up to be a spectacular year for EJ Obiena just hit a snag.
Days after topping the Orlen Cup in Poland, Obiena bared he won’t be able to compete in the Asian Indoor Championships in Kazakhstan.
The pole vaulter cited logistics and financial issues as reasons that marred his supposed campaign in the tournament, which kicks off next week.
“Despite huge efforts from everyone including my federation (PATAFA) and Mr. Capistrano, we are simply unable to get my poles to Astana, Kazakhstan,” Obiena said in a lengthy Facebook post on Wednesday.
“None of the airlines serving Astana will bring the poles. My mentor James Lafferty even worked with Pepsi Kazakhstan to drive the poles from Almaty to Astana. That didn't work as it’s a 17H drive.”
Obiena added most Asian vaulters also had to withdraw for the same reason.
Aside from that, the prized Filipino athlete added that financial issues continue to hound his team, with some of its members even “threatening to leave Team Obiena.”
“Despite all the issues of the past supposedly being resolved, my team has not been paid now in over a year,” he said.
“I cannot blame them. Who could work free for over a year? They have families to support and bills to pay. They can’t keep working for free.”
Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Richard Bachmann later said in a statement “they have taken steps in the PSC to resolve all issues immediately.”
“We will again reach out to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and will continue to speed things up to help our national sports association and Mr. Obiena,” Bachmann said.
“We continue to strive to give the best support to our elite athletes.”
Despite the unfortunate situation, Obiena vowed to continue giving glory to the country.
"I look ahead to upcoming competitions and I will continue to do my best for the country. That's the solution and that's all I can do," he said.