POC eyes anti-doping information drive amid Ravena ban

FILE – Ricky Vargas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Philippine Olympic Committee is ready to launch a massive information campaign on prohibited drugs and banned substances that could affect the performance and careers of Filipino athletes.

Saddened by the fate that befell Gilas Pilipinas guard Kiefer Ravena, POC president Ricky Vargas said they would increase awareness on the country’s anti-doping drive by individually testing athletes in the national team.

“I met recently with PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) chairman Butch Ramirez, and we jointly decided to ramp up our anti-doping program starting with random testing of our national athletes even outside of competition environment,’’ said Vargas.

READ: FDA orders review of energy drinks amid Kiefer Ravena’s doping ban

Ravena was suspended by the International Basketball Federation or Fiba for 18 months after testing positive for three banned substances included in the World Anti-Doping Agency list of prohibited drugs.

The rookie from the NLEX Road Warriors drank Dust, a pre-workout supplement available over the counter and sold freely in supermarkets and pharmacies, before the Gilas Pilipinas game against Japan on Feb. 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“While we in the POC remain steadfast in our support of the IOC’s (International Olympic Committee) uncompromising stance on the use of performance-enhancing substances, I understand that Kiefer took a pre-workout drink, completely unaware that it contained an ingredient that would result in this unfortunate situation,’’ said Vargas.

READ: Kiefer Ravena tests positive for banned substances, gets 18-month suspension from Fiba

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has appealed Ravena’s case before the Fiba, hoping to lessen the suspension and allow him to play for the Road Warriors in the PBA.

“This is obviously an innocent act by a national player who has never been known to act in defiance of any rules. However, I understand that WADA provisions are very stringent on these matters,’’ said Vargas.

“I therefore appeal to all national sports associations to be constantly aware of the dire consequences of a lack of awareness and education on what substances are to be avoided,’’ he added.