ITF lifts suspension on Philippine tennis body

The country's national sports association (NSA) for tennis can now fully operate after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has lifted the suspension slapped against the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA).

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced the development on Monday, ending a three-year ban on the tennis body due to governance issues.

“I am pleased to confirm that the ITF Board of Directors has decided to lift the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) … in accordance with Article 5 of the ITF Constitution,” ITF president David Haggerty said in a letter dated January 21 to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“I would like to thank you and your team, particularly Mr. Ramon Suzara, for your proactive approach to resolving Philta’s governance issues in accordance with our shared values of good governance, transparency, and accountability."

Haggerty added that the lifting of suspension is a "significant moment" in the tennis scene in the Philippines, adding that the international body will give PHILTA the assistance it needs in developing and promoting the sport.

While PHILTA was suspended, the POC was the ad hoc administrator with Tats Suzara leading the task force while Robert Joseph Moran and Ting Ledesma led the soft tennis and table tennis, respectively. 

Last December 11, ITF also ordered PHILTA to hold its election with Paranaque City mayor Eric Olivarez named president. Olongapo City mayor Rolen Paulino was elected vice president while CALABARZON's Gerardo Alcala and MIMAROPA's Theodore Jose Matta were voted treasurer and internal auditor.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News