Obiena reinstated in Philippine team soon

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) are working together to effect the reinstatement of star pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena in the national team.

An emailed letter signed by PATAFA president Terry Capistrano informed the PSC that their association is reinstating Obiena in their national team roster considering the victories and records he has set in recent competitions. Capistrano added that with the reinstatement, they are endorsing for Obiena to be “given the same allowances previously extended to him based on his classification as a world class athlete.”

PSC officer-in-charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. said he has instructed the concerned offices of the agency to act on the matter with dispatch.

“I see no problem with the endorsement. EJ deserves to be back in the team,” said Iroy.

The agency is double checking policies and records like the NSA quota or team ceiling for one and will be doing the necessary paperwork. If a slot needs to be added, Iroy explained that it will need board action, but the effectivity can be set retroactive to the submission of the endorsement.

Obiena recently broke the Asian record with his bronze-winning jump at the 2022 World Athletics Championship held in Oregon, USA this July.

PATAFA said that this “will further motivate our athlete to perform better in the coming international competitions” which includes the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.