POC, PSC to intensify anti-doping program

The FIBA suspension on young basketball star Kiefer Ravena is serving as a wakeup call for all Filipino athletes from all different sports.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas said from now on, the POC will intensify its antidoping program for national athletes.

Vargas said he has spoken to Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez after Ravena, 24, tested positive for three substances that are banned by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

Ravena said it was an “honest mistake” taking a pre-workout drink that contained banned substances.

“The POC and the PSC will conduct a massive education campaign for all our national athletes,” said Vargas.

The campaign will be led by noted Filipino orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert Dr. Raul Canlas under WADA guidelines.

“We also said that the POC and PSC will energize its antidoping program starting with random testing even outside of competition,” said the POC president.

Vargas said it’s best for the POC and the PSC to make sure that members of the national pool are aware of what they take into their system.

“Together with the PSC we will be moving toward a stricter implementation following WADA rules as much as we can,” he said.

“At this point, we are not yet equipped to be able to follow strictly the WADA rules but we will get there,” Vargas assured.

The FIBA, which conducted the testing on Ravena during the FIBA Asia Qualifiers last February, has imposed an 18-month suspension on Ravena, a key player of Gilas Pilipinas.

There are close to a thousand athletes from the different sports in the national pool, and many of them lack the knowledge when it comes to anti-doping procedures.

Some if not most of these athletes are not fully aware that substance found in medicines, vitamins or the ordinary sports drink sold in supermarkets can do them more harm than good.

Ravena, the leading candidate for the PBA Rookie of the Year award, has taken full responsibility for his actions but hoped that FIBA may reconsider the length of the suspension.