Undeterred Juico vows to pursue quest for 'accountability' vs Obiena

MANILA, Philippines – Bloodied but unbowed.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico on Wednesday said he would continue his crusade against EJ Obiena despite the removal of his recognition from the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“I may now be persona non grata in the eyes of the POC, but this will not distract us in our quest for truth, accountability, transparency and justice in our federation,” said Juico in a statement.

“If this is the price I have to pay for holding my athlete accountable, so be it. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I will step out of the POC with my head held high,” he added.

PATAFA accused Obiena of allegedly falsifying liquidations concerning payments to the latter’s Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov.

The World No. 5 and Asian record-holder repeatedly denied it.

The former Philippine Sports Commission chairman also questioned the decision of the Olympic body, saying he was not given due process.

“The process was railroaded. Again, there was no due process because there was no division of the house,” said Juico.

Instead, Juico said the POC claimed the pre-circulated resolution was signed by 36 POC members who affixed their signatures without any resolution having presented during the GA for voting.

Juico said he and several others did not receive the said resolution.

“The POC notice dated Jan. 3 clearly stated that ‘the matter will be reported and taken up during the regular GA scheduled on Jan. 12,’ which was rescheduled today,” said Juico.

“Nothing was taken up. The POC did not give any opportunity for the GA to verify this 36-member pre-approved resolution,” he added.