MANILA--Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino said that the Philippine Sports Commission did not reach out for matters regarding the World Anti-Doping Code.
According to the current Tagaytay mayor, the POC could have helped the PSC if they approached them for help.
“We were totally uninformed of the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) issue. They didn’t even approach us for help, maybe we can do something,” Tolentino said after the POC general assembly on Thursday at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Pasay.
He added that representatives from 38 national sports associations present during the meeting were surprised when he announced the possible penalties the Philippines could get if the PSC does not comply with the Anti-Doping Code, which includes not allowing the Philippine flag to be raised from international competitions and not allowing the Philippines to host sports events.
“Everybody was shocked, but I had to report to the general assembly because it’s my responsibility,” Tolentino added.
Interestingly enough, the PSC said last week that POC Secretary General Wharton Chan attended the online meeting between the PSC and WADA regarding matters about the anti-doping code.
The PSC also said that it is currently working on certain revisions to its anti-doping rules as suggested by WADA.
The PSC has until Dec. 13 to complete the revisions.
If the PSC fails to make it in time, the Philippine flag will not be seen in the Paris Olympics, which could be a bummer since the Philippines is celebrating its 100th anniversary of Olympic participation this year.
“Nobody wanted this for sure, nobody wanted to be in this delicate situation and we are also celebrating our 100 years of participation in the Olympics in Paris. So we are all praying and hoping that we comply,” Tolentino continued.
“The clock is ticking and it’s only 11 days to go. It’s sad and disappointing if that happens because all our athletes are religiously training to qualify for the Olympics. We’re hoping it’s not too late yet.”
Filipino athletes could still be allowed to participate in international competitions, but they cannot use the name "Philippines" and the likes on their jerseys.
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