The possibility of the Philippines being banned from international competitions is still avoidable.
Officials of the Philippine Sports Commission made this assurance after receiving notification and warning from the World Anti-Doping Agency for not complying on its requirement to come up with a code on developing and implementing a dope testing program.
“We wish to reassure the public that these possible sanctions are avoidable. We are fully engaged in a constructive dialogue with WADA, working collectively to address any remaining concerns and to ensure that our national athletes can continue to compete on the global stage with honor and integrity,” said government sports agency in a statement.
Officials of the WADA warned the agency of a possible sanction, in a notification to the PSC dated on January 23, stressing its non-compliance of the WADA Code.
“We appreciate the understanding of the public and the global sports community as we navigate through this process,” said officials of the agency, which is headed by chairman Richard Bachmann.
The PSC was earlier notified through the Philippine National Anti-Doping Agency (PHINADO) in September last year to comply with the WADA Code.
And the WADA gave the PSC four months to comply with the deadline, which expired on Monday last week.
“The PSC remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct to our national athletes and coaches,” added PSC officials.
Agency officials said they are aware of recent speculations on the possibility of the Philippines facing sanctions in major sporting events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Southeast Asian Games due to alleged non-compliance.
A series of activities in relation to the compliance was conducted by PHINADO from September to December of last year, prior to the extended deadline set by WADA last January 22nd.
“We understand the concerns raised, and we would like to address these matters with utmost transparency and accountability,” said the agency.
Officials of the PHINADO have reported that they are coming to fulfilling for the requirements within a 21-day period.
A meeting was held last January 25 by WADA, which was represented by Ying Cui, Manager for RADO/NADO Relations and Perumal Saravana, Manager of Asia Oceania Office, and SEARADO Director General Gobinathan Nair.
Senior officers from the PSC led by Bachmann, and Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary General Atty. Wharton Chan were around.
