Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is hoping the Philippine Sports Commission will beat the deadline in completing all the necessary requirements to satisfy the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
If the PSC can’t comply with the WADA code until Feb. 13, the Philippines faces suspension – meaning Filipino athletes can’t compete in the coming Paris Olympics.
“We’re hoping it’s not too late yet,” said Tolentino
The WADA has already notified the PSC last Jan. 22 that the country would be banned not only from the Paris Games if it fails to comply with the code/
Non-compliance would also ban the country from hosting international competitions.
Tolentino said presidents or secretary-generals of the 38 national sports associations who attended the assembly on Thursday were shocked to learn about the WADA warning.
“Everybody was shocked, but I had to report to the general assembly because it’s my responsibility,” said Tolentino during Thursday’s General Assembly at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Paranaque City.
“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,” he said. “So we are all praying and hoping that we comply.”
on complying with the code and has until February 13 to complete the task.
