March 20 ------ THERE will no longer be any sanctions to the Philippines imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This after WADA removed the country from its compliance watchlist that would have led to the Philippines’ flag not being flown in all major international competitions including the upcoming Paris Olympics.
A letter from WADA chief compliance manager Emiliano Simonelli to the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization formally confirmed the decision. “I am pleased to confirm that in light of the latest developments, the Compliance Review Committee has decided to sign off the remaining pending critical corrective actions relating to testing and results management,” wrote Simonelli in an email to PHI-NADO chief Alejandro Pineda.
The case against the PHINADO was elevated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an appeal, buta hearing will no longer be necessary in light of the WADA decision. “As a result the compliance procedure has now been closed and the case will not be filed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” said Simonelli.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann, whose agency oversees PHI-NADO, said he is thankful for WADA’s decision. “We would like to thank WADA for all the support to resolve all issues. The PSC in coordination with PHI-NADO will continue to make improvements and propose the proper legislation in compliance with the WADA Code 20.5.1 to avoid future issues,” Bachmann said.
PHINADO was informed of procedural violations of the WADA code last September, warning the agency that non-compliance will lead to the flag ban on sports competitions. Before the clearance, PSC has been working with various organizations for months, including WADA, to make the Philippines compliant.
Source: spin.ph