CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR. YET

Motor Ace Racing’s Jonel Borromeo says discussion with Patafa’s Philip Ella Juico regarding Tabal’s reinstatement ‘productive’ But Borromeo says they are still working on a compromise between Tabal and Patafa about her training to finally put the issue to rest

Will Olympian Mary Joy Tabal make it to the national team’s roster for the 29th Southeast Asian (Sea) Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?

This question remains unanswered with just one day left before the deadline of the submission of the final list of athletes, who are part of the national team for the biennial sporting meet set on Aug. 19 to 31.

However, there is some light on the issue after Tabal’s major backer, Motor Ace Philippines president Jonel Borromeo, had a phone conversation with Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) president Philip Ella Juico last Tuesday night.

“I am off to China. I had a fruitful discussion with Dr. Juico last night on the reinstatement of Tabal to join to the Sea Games. I will keep you posted as we progress in our discussions,” Borromeo said in a text message to SunStar Cebu yesterday.

Borromeo, who will be back in the country on Satuday, did not stress the details of the discussion. “No update yet ( on the reinstatement). Discussed was her training should continue in Italy until before the Sea Games,” he said.

Patafa, the national sports association (NSA) for athletics in the country, created a Reinstatement Appeal Committee that laid down the conditions for Tabal to be reinstated in the national team. The committee’s resolution was released last week.

Tabal, the silver medalist in the 28th Sea Games, wrote a letter of response that was sent yesterday. She, however, refused to divulge the contents of the letter.

When asked about the letter, Borromeo replied: “We are working on a compromise so we can move forward and Joy (Tabal) can focus.”

Patafa’s resolution has two main conditions, namely: the commitment to the association’s rules and regulation, and to withdraw Tabal’s complaint letter sent to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The first condition includes the requirement to train under the Patafa-designated national coach; train either in the two training camps in Baguio and Manila; and conduct herself at all times in a manner that demonstrates respect to fellow athletes, the Patafa and its officials, and compliance with the universal code of conduct, written or unwritten expected to all elite athletes.

The Patafa’s Reinstatement Committee comprises Director and committee co-chair Atty. Rufus Rodriguez, secretary general Reynato Unso, communications and marketing Director Edward Kho, Patafa executive Vice-President Atty. Nicanor Sering and national athletics coach Jojo Posadas.

When asked for comment, Kho said to just wait for the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to announce the final list of the Philippine contingent to the Sea Games.

The NSAs have until today to submit their final lineup to the POC Sea Games Task Force.