Pole vaulter EJ Obiena is set to make his return to the national team.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) are currently working together to affect the reinstatement of the multi-awarded athlete.
In a letter, PATAFA chief Terry Capistrano told the PSC that the association is reinstating the 26-year-old Obiena considering his recent victories in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi and the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
PSC executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. welcomed the idea as long as it abides by the policies and bylaws of the national sports association.
“I see no problem with the endorsement, EJ deserves to be back in the team,” Iroy said.
Obiena recently broke the Asian record in Oregon after leaping past 5.94 meters to claim the bronze medal.