DEPUTY Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia has filed a resolution to investigate a sports body's decision to prevent the country's top female marathoner Mary Joy Tabang from participating at the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
The House of Representatives Bills and Index Division received the resolution on Thursday at 4:20 p.m.
According to Garcia, the decision of Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (Patafa) to drop Tabal among its roster was "unreasonable and arbitrary," considering her excellent performances from this year's international competitions.
"There are allegations that Patafa's decision is unreasonable and arbitrary, and even discriminatory, considering that some Filipino American athletes are reportedly allowed to train with coaches of their choice, and even with financial assistance from Patafa," Garcia said.
Reports said that the main reason for Tabal's exclusion was her choice to remain with her coach, which was allegedly objected by Patafa.
"Ayaw namin sa kanya, ayaw niya sumunod sa amin. Sisirain niya ang buong pamilya, ang community ng sports at ang values na gusto namin ipatupad sa asosasyon," Patafa president Philip Ella Juico was quoted as saying.
The deputy speaker said she wants to ensure that Patafa, as a recipient of public funds, acted "within the requirements of the law and due process, as well as the elementary principles of fairness and good faith.
The investigation will also cover other similar cases related to the welfare of Filipino athletes.
"There is also a need to inquire whether there is an adequate regulatory environment, and enough laws, rules, and regulations to guide actions of sports associations and other sports bodies," Garcia said.
The inquiry will be conducted when sessions resume at the House of Representatives.
The 17th Congress went into sine die adjournment last May 31 and will resume for the second regular session on July 24. (SunStar Philippines)