PSC, WADA hold talks

The Philippine Sports Commission assured everybody that it is doing everything it can to comply with the World Anti-Doping Association Code to avoid sanctions such as getting banned in international competitions.

In a statement, the PSC has talked to WADA on ways to resolve the issue.

“After receiving evaluations from WADA, certain revisions relating to critical requirements of the Code, are now being worked upon. PHI-NADO has reported that we are nearing closure for these requirements within a 21-day period,” PSC said.

“The Philippine Sports Commission is aware of recent speculations regarding the possibility of the Philippines facing sanctions in prestigious sporting events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and SEA (Southeast Asian) Games due to alleged non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency Code. We understand the concerns raised, and we would like to address these matters with utmost transparency and accountability.”

Despite the WADA Code compliance deadline expiring last Monday, the PSC assured everybody that the national team wouldn’t get banned in tournaments as it is doing everything it can to make sure the Philippines will be properly represented in international tournaments.

“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,” PSC said.

The PSC had a meeting with WADA represented by Ying Cui, manager for Regional Anti-Doping Organization/National Anti-Doping Organizations Relations and Mr. Perumal Saravana, Manager of Asia Oceania Office, and Southeast Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation Director General Gobinathan Nair, along with PSC chairman Richard Bachmann and executive director Paulo Francisco Tatad, Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization head Dr. Alejandro Pineda Jr. and Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan.