Philippines cleared from WADA compliance watchlist, says PSC

The Philippine flag will continue to be flown in major sporting events.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has cleared the Philippines from its compliance watchlist, declaring that corrective actions have been undertaken. This was announced by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on Tuesday.

"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," WADA’s Chief Compliance Manager Emiliano Simonelli stated through an email sent to Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) head Dr. Alejandro 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.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed his gratitude to the WADA and the PHI-NADO.

"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 stated.

Back in January, WADA noted that PHI-NADO had not corrected certain non-conformities regarding the anti-doping governing body's code. These cover testing plans, monitoring against blood doping, coordination regarding its athlete database, and notification of athletes.

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By February 13, WADA confirmed that the Philippines disputed the allegations of non-compliance. PHI-NADO had reported they were nearing closure for the requirements within the 21-day period.

The WADA declaration this month ensured that the Philippines would not suffer consequences regarding non-compliance.

Such consequences include a flag ban and hosting ineligibility in major sporting events.