Pacquiao said he wants to see Obiena focus on training instead of having to defend himself in the bitter dispute.
"We should stop this kind of senseless conflicts that ultimately affects world-class athletes like EJ Obiena," Pacquiao, a retired boxing superstar, said in a statement. "As a former athlete, I fully understand the feelings of EJ who sacrificed blood, sweat and tears just to get to where he is. Tulungan natin siyang magtagumpay at hindi 'yung wawasakin pa ang kanyang mga pinaghirapan. EJ is a once-in-lifetime treasure in Philippine sports, huwag natin siyang sayangin."
PATAFA, the country's governing body for athletics, previously announced that Obiena will be dropped from the national training pool. They also intend to file an estafa case against the pole vaulter, after an investigation conducted by PATAFA found that Obiena had misappropriated funds.But Pacquiao said the matter can be settled peacefully.
"If needed, I can offer myself and my office to the PSC so that everyone can sit down and sort this out. Huwag na po tayong maging technical dito. Ayusin na lang natin ito nang sa gayon ay makapag-ensayo na sa EJ sa kanyang mga susunod na laban," he said."Thank you Philippine Sports Commission for finally stepping in to calm down all parties involved on this issue involving EJ Obiena and the PATAFA...
EpalAlert
Hala sige ka inglesero yan si EJ
Walang gulo na dapat ayusin kay Obiena. Ikaw ang magulo… wala kang alam sa sports na ito.
Ano ang alam ni pacquiao sa pagso-sort out ng gulo e hindi nga niya nagawan ng paraan ang anay na si alfonso. Don't us, manny. Don't us. In a boxing ring you might be a hero but elsewhere you have been a fat zero. Truth.