PSC puts Obiena-PATAFA mediation 'on hold'

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has put the mediation between EJ Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) "temporarily on hold".
 
This was after the Tondo-born pole vaulter sent a letter regarding his stance to back out of the mediation process.
 
“The Philippine Sports Commission has received communication from Mr. EJ Obiena, sent through his lawyer via email, that Mr. Obiena will no longer participate in the mediation proceedings," read the statement by PSC, which is headed by chairman William "Butch" Ramirez.
 
“As mediation requires for the voluntary agreement of both parties for the process to proceed, we inform you that mediation is temporarily on hold."
 
The Tokyo Olympian has submitted his liquidation papers to the PSC’s accounting office and Commission on Audit, which will be subjected to verification.
 
Obiena backed out from the mediation process, citing PATAFA acting out on "bad faith".
 
However, the PSC insisted that mediation is still the best option to dissolve the ongoing rift between Obiena and the national sports agency.
 
“Despite this development, we maintain our stand that mediation is still the best option to resolve this matter.
 
“Mr. Obiena has submitted his liquidation reports. The PSC’s accounting office and the Commission on Audit shall proceed with their normal post-audit process of checking and verification on submitted liquidation documents,”