EJ Obiena on PATAFA 'Witch Hunt': 'I Do Not Jump for Philip Juico or PATAFA. I Jump for My Beloved Nation'

Filipino Olympian, athlete, and third-best pole vaulter in the world EJ Obiena finally speaks out after the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) moved to expel the athlete from the national team, thereby losing his status as a Philippine athlete. 

What began as a public, verbal feud between Obiena and PATAFA president Philip Juico has transformed into an ugly legal mess. The athlete is now being faced with the possibility of a lawsuit as PATAFA recommended that a criminal complaint of alleged estafa be filed against Obiena. 

PATAFA’s move to expel Obiena from the national team came only this morning, but the Philippine Olympic Committee was quick to hit back at PATAFA, with POC president and house deputy speaker Abraham Tolentino calling out PATAFA’s actions as “vengeful.” With the POC firmly behind Obiena and PATAFA firmly against him, the issue is now in the hands of the Philippine Sports Commission, said Tolentino. 

This all unfolded within a matter of days as Obiena prepared for the start of his season next month. Just days before PATAFA broke the news that they planned to drop him from the national team, Obiena had accomplished another world-breaking record by ending 2021 triple tried at third place in world rankings. His achievement is the latest record for all Asian pole vaulters. 

Here’s what Obiena had to say to PATAFA recommendation to drop him from the team. 

EJ Obiena’s Full Statement

I am saddened by the decision of the PATAFA committee and their recommendations but I am not really surprised.  I am relieved that I now finally know what I am being charged with. From the very start, the PATAFA proceeding had the look and feel of a witch hunt.  My legal team can now go about the business of clearing my name and my family’s name. Righteousness always wins in the end.  

On my removal from the national pool, I am always willing to compete for the flag and the country I love with my entire being. I have said before that I will only not jump for the Philippines if Philip Juico doesn’t let me jump for my country.  This afternoon, the POC made a statement that I will still carry the flag of the Philippines and represent the country.  I thank the POC for doing what is right for the nation and as the National Olympic Committee.

On the recommendation of filing of ESATFA cases, I am ready to face all cases and charges filed against me in any court or forum.  I am hopeful that I will have my fair day in court and that I can finally end this baseless witch hunt.

On the complaint against my coach, I have already informed Coach Vitaly Petrov of the plans of PATAFA to file charges against him in the World Athletics Federation. He is unperturbed by this.  He is a good man and has treated me like his own son. I am sorry that he is being dragged into this. Philip Juico, in Petrov’s own words, tricked him to issue statements to build a case against me. When PATAFA’s claim of my non-payment of the entire amount of Petrov’s fees was refuted by proof of payment from Petrov coupled by his withdrawal of his earlier statements supporting PATAFA’s case against me, PATAFA now goes around and files a case against Petrov.  

On Mr. Lafferty being declared as Persona Non-Grata, Jim is a sports patriot for the Philippines and has been helping Filipino athletes for more than 15 years.  He has spent millions of his own money to help our athletes without asking or receiving anything in return. He has done so much for the Philippines, the Filipino athlete and even for the  PATAFA; and instead of giving him a pat on the back, he is now being rewarded by declaring him a persona non-grata. This is so senseless. 

I have been accused of refusing to undergo mediation. This is farthest from the truth.  When Chairman Ramirez called me in November to bring up the offer, I immediately said that I am open to it.  But on the condition that I will have a fair day in court.  But the events following that discussion, particularly PATAFA and/or Philip Juico’s actions during the PATAFA Committee, the POC Ethics Committee and House Committee hearings clearly gave me the impression that I will not be treated fairly by PATAFA.  I communicated this to Chairman Butch again just prior to Christmas, only a few days before he withdrew the PSC offer for mediation.

I have been viciously charged with a crime that I have not committed.  PATAFA will file charges against me for ESTAFA even if I have already paid my coach the entire amount that is due him. They refuse to recognize this and would rather drag me to court.  I am ready for everything that Philip Juico and the PATAFA will throw at me as their intention now is finally clear, they want me out of the Philippine Team and they don’t want me to jump for the Philippines.  They should have just said this two months ago and saved everyone a lot of time and grief.  

I will leave everything now to my legal team.  I will focus on training and jumping. My season will start in less than a month.  The drama brought about by this witch hunt has taken valuable time, effort and energy away from my training and preparation.  I have a small window to save my season and I do not want to be distracted any further by Philip Juico and the PATAFA.  They have done enough damage already and I will be at fault if I allow them to cause further harm.  I will clear my name in court and I will clear my name in competition. My pole will be my platform. My every jump is my defiance to everything that is wrong in the sport. And an affirmation that the Filipino is tough, enduring, loyal and will stand up for what is right and true. 

I do not jump for Mr. Philip Ella Juico or the PATAFA.  I jump for my beloved nation.

Ako ay atletang Pilipino. Tumatalon ako para sa Pilipinas at sa lahat ng aking kababayan.

These are very trying times for me and I would like to thank all the people that have supported me, directly and indirectly, including my team, my family and my friends. I would also like to thank all my fellow Filipinos who still believe in me.  Maraming salamat po. Hinding hindi ko po ito makakalimutan. Pipilitin ko pong suklian lahat ito ng aking paghihirap para maging pinakamagaling na atleta sa pole vault.