Senator Go finally steps in

NICE to know that EJ Obiena is finally amenable to a mediation. In fact, his precious yes has long been overdue.

It took the intervention of Sen. Bong Go, through a recent hearing of the Senate Sports Committee that the good lawmaker chairs, to soften Obiena’s rock-hard stance.

Appearing in the hearing online, Obiena said, “I am all-in when it comes to that mediation. I trust our senators that it’s the best way.”

But, in his usual stubborn-laden mien, Obiena added: “But, of course, there should be a sign of reconciliation and a sign that they actually want this.”

“They would definitely refer to Philip Ella Juico, the Patafa (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) president, and Patafa chairman Rufus Rodriguez.

Both have been trying to pin down Obiena for the longest time on the petty issue of liquidation.

Both have even called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to check the liquidation papers submitted to the Patafa by Obiena regarding salaries given to Obiena’s Ukrainian coach, Vitaly Petrov.

This, despite Petrov’s signed document he furnished Patafa that he had received all his salaries from Obiena of nearly P5 million.

Obiena had admitted not paying Petrov on time but the ace pole vaulter, who is now No. 5 in the world, countered: “But late payment is never a crime.”

If you ask me, the real crime is making Obiena both as a paymaster and an elite athlete all at the same time.

During the Senate hearing, Sen. Franklin Drilon said: “Mr. Juico has no power to tell COA not to investigate .... For the sake of the country, let’s find a way to settle the issue and put aside the matter of liquidation.”

Chair Butch Ramirez of the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) said he agreed with Drilon and told Juico and Obiena to end their rift.

“It is the COA which will determine whether there’s abuse, fraud or corruption,” said Ramirez. “Forget about your issues. Let’s listen to our senators.”

But for the mediation to really succeed, Juico must first readmit Obiena into the Patafa fold.

Said Obiena: “Putting me back as a national team member is a sign of good faith. I’m willing to put this (rift) aside and continue to train and compete for our country…i’m more than willing to reconcile…i want to compete and this has been affecting me in my preparations.”

Amid the animated discussions, Go reminded the body of the immediate need to resolve the issue that’s been dragging Philippine sports the last three months or so.

He urged Ramirez to “step up and not make the Senate be always the referee.” Said Go: “The longer the issue drags on, the longer the country is exposed to embarrassment in the international sporting arena.”

Indeed, a very timely reminder.

THAT’S IT Tab Baldwin’s sudden resignation as Gilas coach remains shrouded in mystery. For one, his reason to leave and focus on coaching Ateneo doesn’t wash. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines opening is months away. For another, the Fiba window starts on February 24; that’s dropping the ball—deliberately.