PSC says 'nearing closure' on WADA requirements amidst possible flag ban issue

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said it is already taking the necessary steps in making sure it adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to avoid a possible ban of flying the Philippine flag in the Olympics and other major international events.

In a statement, the PSC said that according to the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization, it is 'nearing closure' in completing the requirements in order to avoid the said flag ban following a non-compliance to the WADA code.

PHI-NADO is the Philippines' recognized anti-doping arm.

"The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) 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 Games due to alleged non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code," read the statement.

"We understand the concerns raised, and we would like to address these matters with utmost transparency and accountability."

On Friday, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) said in a release that the country is at risk of having its flag not flown in the Paris Olympics as well as regional and continental sporting tournaments. This is in relation to a case from 2016 where a Filipino athlete yielded a positive drug test but was not notified by the PSC or PHI-NADO.

According to the WADA code, PSC has to comply with it on developing and implementing effective, intelligent and proportionate Test Distribution Plan and include all Registered Testing Pool athletes from sports or disciplines, among others.

PSC, for its part, acknowledged the said code and stressed it has taken 'prompt and decisive actions to rectify' the matter.

"We acknowledge the importance of adhering to the WADA Code and upholding the principles of fair play and integrity in sports," the PSC added.

"In response to the aforementioned allegations, we would like to clarify that the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), under the auspices of the PSC, has taken prompt and decisive actions to rectify any potential matters related to non-compliance with the WADA Code."

PSC also said it had a meeting with WADA representatives last January 25 with the objective to 'foster open communication, address the pending concerns and revisions raised by WADA'.

The sports governing body assured the public that the sanctions are 'avoidable', saying that Filipino athletes can continue competing on the global stage.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News