Several national sports associations will most likely oppose the move of the Philippine Olympic Committee Executive Board to suspend the national sports association of athletics from its membership.
Officials of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association said they have secured the support of at least five NSAs after their federation was sanctioned by the executive board.
The sanctions from the execom were handed down, while the PATAFA’s process of mediation was still ongoing with world-ranked pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.
“We will seek all legal remedies. We will go by the law. We will consult with the International Olympic Committee, World Athletics, the regional directors and a number of a NSAs,” said PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico on Zoom Wednesday.
Juico discussed PATAFA’s position after the POC included Obiena in the list of entries by name of athletes expected to participate in the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games in May.
The PATAFA does not have Obiena in its national roster for the biennial meet.
The POC executive board voted to suspend the PATAFA for 90 days for allegedly failing to serve its purpose as an NSA. It will take effect once ratified by the POC General Assembly during its regular meeting on March 30.
“We have expressed our disagreement on the actions of the POC. And our colleagues from NSAs have also articulated their opposition,” added Juico.
Approval of the 90-day sanction will grant the POC authority over the national athletics’ team to the SEA Games, and Obiena will get a chance see action in Vietnam.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella, who said that this has not happened before to an NSA, is among those who expressed his support to the PATAFA with Steve Hontiveros (handball), Julian Camacho(wushu) and Cynthia Carrion (gymnastics).
“The PATAFA stands for autonomy, integrity, and we are after the enforcement of our law, and upholding Filipino values,” added Juico.