The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Thursday reported it is nearing "closure" for the requirements sought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in complying with its Code.
WADA had sent a warning regarding the consequences of non-compliance, which includes the Philippine flag not being flown in major international sporting events as well as being ineligible to become hosts of any championships.
Here's a breakdown regarding the issue.
What happened?
Back in September 2023, WADA's Executive Committee accepted the recommendation of an independent Compliance Review Committee to give the PSC four months to address non-conformities identified in the world anti-doping governing body's Code Compliance Questionnaire.
If this would not be solved by January 22, 2024, the PSC would be considered non-compliant.
On January 23, WADA Director General Olivier Niggli sent a letter to the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), noting four non-conformities have not been corrected.
Thus, the PSC would now have 21 days, or until February 13, to dispute this matter. Or else, the allegation of non-compliance would become final and the consequences would take effect.
What are the Code non-conformities being raised?
There are four points highlighted by WADA. These cover testing plans, monitoring against blood doping, coordination regarding its athlete database, and notification of athletes.
First is the "effective, intelligent, and proportionate Test Distribution Plan (TDP)."
A TDP is a document from an anti-doping organization, which covers the following: collection and use of athlete whereabouts information, the notification of athletes, preparing for and conducting sample collection, the security regarding samples and documentation, as well as the transport to laboratories for analysis.
PHI-NADO, in this case, must be able to present a proper assessment of risks regarding doping and deterring its use. The national organization must also develop and/or implement an appropriate TDP based on that assessment.
This is based on Article 5.4.1 of the WADA Code and Article 4.1.3 of WADA's International Standard for Testing and Investigations (ISTI).
Second, the PSC is required to ensure proper monitoring against blood doping.
This means having athletes in the anti-doping organization's Registered Testing Pool (RTP) who have minimum levels of erythropoietin (EPO) at 30% or greater to have a minimum of at least three blood tests planned.
EPO falls in WADA's prohibited substance list, as it increases red blood cell production, and therefore delivers more oxygen to the tissues, based on a study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
This requirement is established in Article 3.3 of the Technical Document for Sport Specific Analysis (TDSSA).
Third, the PSC must share and maintain its list of athletes included in its Registered Testing Pool with international agencies.
This is done via the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System or ADAMS. It's a Web-based database
management tool for data entry, storage, sharing, and reporting designed to assist stakeholders
and WADA in their anti-doping operations, while ensuring data protection.
The requirement falls under Article 4.8.12.2 of the ISTI.
Fourth, WADA requires the PSC to implement timely prosecution of cases and notification of parties.
This covers the notification of athletes regarding an event organizer's decision with a doping issue, their right to a fair hearing, the notice of the subsequent decision, and notification of an appeal decision.
This also covers the provision of status reports and findings to anti-doping organizations.
WADA particularly highlighted the case of an athlete who tested positive for a prohibited substance in 2016.
"Despite repeated and specific follow-ups with the Philippines Sports Commission over the course of several years, the athlete is yet to be notified," WADA noted.
This is covered by Articles 7.6, 8.1, 8.4, 13.5, and 14.1.4 of the WADA Code.
What happens if PSC is deemed non-compliant?
If there is no formal dispute sent to WADA in 21 days, the PSC would be considered non-compliant and the consequences would take effect.
A major one is that the Philippine flag will not be flown at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, as well as regional, continental, and World Championships.
This also includes any events organized by major event organizations.
The Philippines will also not be awarded the right to host regional, continental, and World Championships, along with any other events by major event organizations.
PSC representatives would also be ineligible to hold WADA office.
They would also be deemed ineligible to host events organized or co-organized by WADA, or even participate in any of their activities.
PSC would also not receive any WADA funding.
Can PSC be reinstated if deemed non-compliant?
Yes. WADA says PSC must satisfy outstanding critical requirements to be reinstated.
As of publishing time, the PSC still has time to dispute the allegations and comply with the Code.
What is the response of the PSC?
In a statement issued on Thursday, the PSC said it has taken "prompt and decisive actions" on the matter.
"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 within a 21-day period," the PSC statement read.
The PSC also met on January 25 with WADA representatives, along with PHI-NADO, and the Philippine Olympic Committee to "ensure complete compliance at the earliest possible time."
"Furthermore, we wish to reassure the public that these possible sanctions are avoidable," the PSC noted.
"We are fully engaged in a constructive dialogue with WADA, working collectively to address any remaining concerns and to ensure that our national athletes can continue to compete on the global stage with honor and integrity."