Philippines out of int'l anti-doping watchlist

(L-R) PSC Executive Director Paulo Tatad, PSC chairman Richard Bachmann, and Phi-NADO officer Nathan Vazquez at the PSA Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, February 20, 2024. Handout/PSA

MANILA — The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Tuesday announced that the Philippines has been removed from its compliance watchlist after the country successfully addressed the required corrective actions.

READ: PSC says 'nearing closure' on anti-doping code requirements

WADA's Chief Compliance Manager Emiliano Simonelli conveyed this development in an email to Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) head Dr. Alejandro Pineda.

"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," Simonelli told Pineda.

"As a result, the compliance procedure has now been closed, and the case will not be filed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport," he added.

READ: Marcos urges PH compliance with World Anti-Doping Code

In response, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann expressed gratitude to WADA and PHI-NADO, emphasizing the country's commitment to promoting a doping-free sports environment.

"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.

READ: PSC confident WADA issue will be resolved

In late January, WADA issued a warning to the PSC after a previous notice in September last year for its alleged failure to comply with the WADA code. Failure to respond positively in 21 days could have led to a suspension of the Philippines from international events like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and even the coming Paris Olympics as raised by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The PSC said at the time that it was already taking action, with the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) working since September 2023 to respond to the WADA deadline.