MANILA, Philippines — Pissed with some unidentified companies allegedly using his name to promote their businesses without his approval, Filipino pole vault ace Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena on Tuesday evening set the record straight that he doesn’t promote gambling and alcoholic products.
“I am dragging myself to share stuff like this but it’s necessary to inform all of you that I don’t endorse gambling! I would like to reassure everyone that I pick and choose very carefully which products/brands I endorse/promote,” Obiena wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday evening.
“It’s never “just about the money” but it has to be a product I can believe in; and also a product that doesn’t undermine values; and supports a healthy and thriving society. The latter is why I have refused to endorse alcoholic products and/or gambling businesses.”
Obiena said he’d like to use his platform responsibly, knowing that the actions he makes could influence the kids who look up to him.
The world no. 3 pole vaulter added that his legal team is now working to make those companies accountable for their alleged actions.
“Whilst both may be legal [gambling and alcohol], it is irrefutable both are regulated for a reason, and both are restricted from children. I recognize I have a platform that could influence kids and I understand and embrace this responsibility with honor and humility. I won’t hence endorse products like this,” said Obiena.
“Unfortunately, some companies will attempt to loosely link myself, my name and my image to such categories without my approval. Implying I endorse their product or their casino. I DO NOT. Whist my lawyers are pursuing this kind of “Guerilla” marketing legally, I wanted to in-parallel tell everyone directly I am in no way endorsing any alcohol or gambling related products. Ever. Never ever.”
Last Sunday, Obiena held a meet and greet event for his fans entitled ‘High Flying Hangout’ at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The event was attended by his coach Vitaly Petrov, pole vault legend Sergey Bubka as well as Obiena’s fellow national athletes Alyssa Valdez (volleyball), Hali Long (football) and Jamie Lim (karate).
Afterwards, Obiena, alongside his girlfriend Caroline Joyeux, then watched the Ateneo-La Salle game in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.