MANILA, Philippines — Maraming bansa na ang may sariling independent anti-doping agency.
Kaya marapat lamang na gawin na ito ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) kasama ang Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO).
Ito ang sinabi kahapon nina PSC executive director Paulo Tatad at PHI-NADO chief Dr. Alex Pineda sa Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Given the progression of the anti-doping world a lot of countries have independent anti-doping agencies,” wika ni Tatad. “This is the proper time we have one in PHI-NADO.”
Sinagot ng PHI-NADO ang alegasyon ng World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) na hindi sumusunod ang Pilipinas sa kanilang WADA Code.
Noong Marso 13 ay nakumpleto na ng PHI-NADO ang mga hinihingi ng WADA.
“The threat that came with WADA non- compliance meant that starting last Feb. 22 we would not have been allowed to host international sporting events like FIBA qualifiers among others and that if a Filipino wins in international competitions, the Philippine flag cannot fly. Of course, it affects our national pride,” ani Pineda.
Nakikipag-usap na rin ang PSC sa mga stakeholders at mayroon nang basbas mula kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. para sa pagkakaroon ng isang independent anti-doping agency.
“We spoke with BBM to help PSC in how we can move it forward. We need a certain number of permanent positions, we’re working on the justifications, the numbers, na ito ang puwede naming gawin for the next couple of years,” ani Tatad. (RCadayona)