The Philippines faces the risk of the national flag not being flown at the Paris Olympics, the Paralympic Games, as well as in all regional and continental events – such as the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games – and world championships, unless the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Adding to these potential woes is the possibility of a ban on the country from hosting regional, continental, and world championships.
WADA issued a warning in a notification to the PSC dated January 23, highlighting its non-compliance with the WADA Code.
This prompted the government sports body to address outstanding non-conformities identified in the WADA Code Compliance Questionnaire.
The PSC received a notification through the Philippine National Anti-Doping Agency (Phinado) in September of the previous year, instructing it to comply with the WADA Code, but it has barely responded since.
WADA gave the PSC a four-month deadline to comply, which already expired last Monday.
The notice, signed by WADA Director General Olivier Niggli, stated, “Should the outstanding non-conformities not be resolved by January 22, 2024, the Philippines Sports Commission would be automatically alleged as non-compliant by WADA’s Executive Committee.”
WADA emphasized that the PSC needs to comply with the code regarding the development and implementation of an effective, intelligent, and proportionate Test Distribution Plan, including all Registered Testing Pool athletes from various sports or disciplines.
WADA pointed out a case of an athlete who tested positive for doping in 2016 but was not notified by the PSC or its anti-doping arm.
WADA gave the PSC until February 13 to dispute WADA’s allegations or face the automatic acceptance of non-compliance, with the associated consequences taking immediate effect.
The consequences outlined by WADA include the banning of the Philippine flag in all major international competitions.
Other repercussions involve the Philippines losing WADA privileges and funding, as well as a ban on any Filipino individuals from sitting on the boards, committees, or other bodies of any signatory, member, or association affiliated with the world agency.
WADA stated that the PSC must fulfill the outstanding critical requirements and comply with all consequences of non-compliance to be reinstated.
The Philippine Olympic Committee was provided with a copy of the WADA notification.
