Pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s mother on Monday told the Senate Sports Committee, chaired by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, that she lent money to the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association to help finance her son’s allowance after learning of the Olympian’s living conditions during his training abroad.
“Nag abono po ako ng P600,000 para sa anak ko dahil po nung panahon na nag-follow up po ako sa Patafa tungkol sa training allowance ni EJ. Pero nung panahon na yun nasabi po sa akin na wala pa pong pondo ang Patafa ,” Jeanette told senators during the hearing. As a mother, Jeanette said she cannot help but feel worried and anxious about her son’s living condition.According to Obiena’s mother, the athlete would do household chores to make up for living there, cleaning the yard, cutting grass, cleaning the house and even washing dishes so it wouldn’t be embarrassing to Braz.
“Sa social media, ang maraming nag co comment, meron pa nga pong nag comment na masasakit. At bilang magulang po napakasakit sa amin na ang anak namin pinalaki namin ng hindi tama kaya daw ganito ang nangyari sa kanya? ,” Jeannette said. “Isinakripisyo po niya yan para po makapasok at matupad po ang kanyang pangarap na makapag bigay ng honor para sa ating bansa ,” she pointed out.