On January 26 in Metro Manila, it was reported that the Philippine flag is unlikely to be featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics or in forthcoming regional events. This development follows the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s announcement that the Philippines did not meet its compliance standards.
This means that, while Filipino athletes may participate in the future regional and international competitions, they are not able to perform so in the Philippine flag.
In a letter in the month of January. 23rd, the regulator of sports said that the PSC did not meet the following four rules of the WADA code:
The first is to come up with an efficient “Test Distribution Plan for Test Distribution.” According to the International Testing Agency, this covers the types and number of tests for doping, as well as analyses based on sports events.
The second was that the PSC should require athletes who are part of the registered test pool (RTP) to be exempt from sports “with EPOs (Erythropoietin) minimum levels of Analyze of 30% or higher” in its ABP (Athlete Biological Passport) and it is planning at least 3 tests of blood ABP tests for EPOs. EPO is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is used to enhance the cardiovascular performance of athletes.
Thirdly Fourth, the PSC must keep and share their database of RTP athletes using WADA’s Anti-Doping Administration and Management System.
Finally, the PSC is required to ensure that all doping related cases are dealt with in a timely fashion and also informs all those who have the possibility of appealing.
The WADA granted its PSC 21 days from the date of its January. 23 notice or up to February. 13 “to contest WADA’s claim of non-compliance, and/or the consequences of non-compliance, and/or the reinstatement conditions suggested in the proposal by WADA.”
If the PSC is not in compliance within the timeframe, WADA will be deemed non-compliant and the Philippines will be required to request reinstatement.
Apart from this flag restriction, additional consequences include a ban on hosting regional or international sporting events organized by large organizations until it is restored.
PSC representatives are also ineligible to hold any post within the WADA.
