THE Philippine National Doping Organization is disputing the allegation that it failed to comply with the Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency, which has elevated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“On 13 February, WADA received formal notification from the NADO of the Philippines that it disputes the allegations of non-compliance against it. WADA will now refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for its consideration,” WADA posted on its website the previous day.
“As such, the consequences will not apply until CAS makes its final ruling,” the WADA added, meaning that no sanctions will be meted against the country until the dispute has been resolved.
There could be dire consequences for Philippine sports and its athletes should the world arbitration body based in Lausanne, Switzerland rule in WADA’s favor.
Among them is that Filipino athletes would be barred from competing under the national flag, relegating them to the status of “authorized neutral athlete,” or ANEs, like what happened to Russian campaigners for earlier doping violations by its athletes.
There is also a possibility the Philippines will be unable to host any international meet until the country complies with the WADA Code.
With the PHINADO being an attached agency of the Philippine Sports Commission, the PSC issued a statement last month that the government sports agency has “taken prompt and decisive actions to rectify any potential matters related to non-compliance with the WADA Code.
“A series of activities in relation to the compliance was conducted by PHI-NADO from September to December last year, prior to the extended (Feb. 12) deadline set by WADA last January 22nd. 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.”
In the statement, the PSC revealed that WADA conducted a meeting among the parties concerned last Jan. 25.
Those present were Ying Cui, who represented WADA as manager of RADO/NADO Relations; Perumal Saravana, WADA Manager of Asia-Oceania Office, Southeast Asian Regional Anti-Doping Organization director general Perumal Gobinathan Nair, PSC chairman Richard Bachmann, PSC executive director Paulo Tatat, PHINADO head Dr. Alejandro Pineda Jr. and Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Atty. Wharton Chan.
“The PSC remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct to our national athletes and coaches,” the PSC said in a statement.
