A top official of the Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF) is set to file a leave of absence following allegations that the Philippine national karatedo team received only a fraction of their training allowances.
PKF secretary-general Raymund Lee-Reyes, in talks with national coach David Lay, has expressed his willingness to step down from his post.
Lay relayed Lee-Reyes’ plan to commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Lee-Reyes’ plan to vacate his post came after a letter of complaint about the partial release of allowances to national athletes reached the hands of PSC officials.
Fernandez said PSC chairman William Ramirez and Executive Director Sanna Privaldo are now looking into the allegations forwarded by team skipper Eugene Stoner Dagohoy.
Dagohoy claimed that members of the national squad went to Germany before the 2017 Southeast Asian Games for training.
Among those who went to Germany were Ireneo Soriano Jr., Mae Soriano, and Jayson Macalalang.
Some athletes alleged that they received only $400 instead of $1,800 allotment for each of the 14 members of the national squad.
Lee-Reyes led the delegation that went to the camp from July 20 to Aug. 9.
The PSC released around P3.217-million for the seminars and tournaments for the team’s accommodations, meals, and allowances among other things.
Before the trip, each athlete allegedly got $200, and another $200 after Lee-Reyes arrived in Germany.
The agency is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigated to look into the matter.
PKF president Joey Romasanta said he is welcoming the PSC’s probe into the allegations.
“I'm looking forward to being one with the PSC to have this effectively clarified for the sake of the athletes,” said Romasanta.
Romasanta said he has not suspended any coach or official of the PKF while a probe is expected is expected to start anytime soon.