Foreign esports players now exempted from drug testing
MANILA, Philippines — The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has passed a resolution exempting foreign professional esports players from mandatory drug testing, a move officials say could help bring international esports tournaments back to the country.
Under GAB Resolution No. 2026-13, foreign players will instead be issued a Special Esports License (SEL) valid for the duration of a specific tournament, not exceeding 30 days.
“We look at this (Esports) as a private sector-driven enterprise. So, the government would interfere the least. Thanks to PESO, we were able to apply some sort of an imaginative approach to our situation. And hopefully, with this move, we could place the Philippines once again in the world map of esports hosting. That’s our approach,” said GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera.
The policy replaces the previous requirement for all professional license applicants to undergo drug testing, which stakeholders said posed logistical challenges for international teams competing in short-term events.
Officials from the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), who met with GAB to discuss the implementation of the resolution, welcomed the change, calling it a key step toward revitalizing the local esports scene.
"This Resolution is a crucial step forward for Philippine esports. For years, the mandatory drug testing requirement served as a significant logistical hurdle for international organizers and players who are only in the country for short-term tournaments. With this policy update, we are positioned to bring major, top-tier global esports events back to our shores, boosting tourism and giving our local athletes the chance to compete on home soil," said PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo.
PESO President Brian Lim said the new guidelines signal a more competitive and welcoming environment for global organizers.
"We are grateful to Chairman Rivera and the entire Board for listening to the concerns of the esports community. This milestone policy signals to international game publishers and event organizers that the Philippines is ready to reclaim its status as a premier destination for global gaming events. We look forward to working closely with GAB to ensure the successful implementation of this Resolution," said Lim.
With the eased requirements, GAB and PESO expect increased interest from regional and global tournament organizers, alongside greater opportunities for local players to compete on home soil.
Foreign players applying for the SEL will need to secure an endorsement from a GAB-sanctioned tournament organizer and pay the corresponding license fees, streamlining the process for short-term participation.
Officials said the move could also contribute to job creation and sports tourism as more international competitions look to the Philippines as a possible venue for upcoming tournaments.
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