PKF: No money was lost in training

Philippine Karatedo Federation sec-gen Raymund Lee Reyes yesterday dismissed claims of some karatedos of fund mess for the national team’s 20-day training abroad, saying the money was spent during the stay of the 12 athletes and two coaches in Germany.

Reyes, with PKF president Jose Romasanta, met Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez and executive director Atty. Sannah Frivaldo and aired their side after the athletes complained of alleged irregularities, prompting the PSC to seek the help of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The athletes claimed they only received $470 each when they all signed for $1,800 each in the official receipt forms.

But Reyes said the money was spent during the stay of the 12 athletes and two coaches in Germany.

Reyes joined the group 12 days after they left Manila. In his absence, Iranian coach Ali Parvinfar handled the expenses. The athletes received Butch Ramirez the $470 on separate occasions during the trip.

“Walang nawalang pera (No money was lost),” said Reyes, stating that they were spent mostly on food and other necessities for the group in Germany.

“How could they have survived 20 days with no food? They moved from one camp to another,” said Romasanta.

“The amount covered for the meals and allowances of everybody in the group. There were 14 or 15 of them,” said Romasanta, who thanked the PSC chairman for hearing their side.

PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez is taking the cudgels for the karate athletes.

“Of course, the PSC will not pass judgment outright. For the meantime, Mr. Reyes is preparing a formal statement in affidavit form to be submitted to the PSC hopefully this week,” he said.

Reyes has taken a leave of absence from the PKF effective yesterday.

“While this is going on, I had filed a leave of absence so it would not affect the athletes,” he said.

Romasanta said government procedure required the athletes to sign the papers.

“They had to sign for liquidation purposes – whether they received it in cash or in kind. The expenses in that trip had been liquidated before the PSC. Walang nawalang pera,” he said.

“Now, whether the PSC or COA (Commission on Audit) would accept that is another matter. Again, we thank the PSC for the chance to air our side,” Romasanta said.