Inquiry sought on antidope rules in PH sports following Ravena case

Kiefer Ravena PHOTO BY EDWIN BACASMAS

Lawmakers are being asked to review the country’s compliance with laws governing the sale of dietary supplements containing substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) for sports competitions.

A House member made the call on Wednesday in the wake of the sanctions recently imposed on professional basketball player Keifer Ravena, who was found positive for taking Wada-prohibited substances in a drug test conducted by an international sports body.

A resolution filed by Antipolo City Rep. Chiqui Roa-Puno, vice chair of the House of committee on youth and sports, sought an inquiry into the implementation of Wada-related rules and regulations in the local sports sector, saying it would help educate the public and prevent Filipino athletes from unintentionally consuming banned substances.

“Wada’s rules, as well as the agency’s list of banned substances are universally recognized and accepted but not necessarily widely known,” Puno said in a statement. “With proper implementation and education, we can effectively prevent our athletes, like Ravena, from unknowingly ingesting prohibited substances which could adversely affect their health and result in their ineligibility to play in their respective sports.”

The resolution stressed the need to educate athletes, coaches, team managers, health professionals and other concerned parties on Wada-prohibited substances and current anti-doping regulations, to avoid inadvertent consumption.

Ravena was found positive for Wada-prohibited substances in a random drug test conducted by Fiba (International Basketball Federation) officials after a game between his Gilas Pilipinas team and Japan on Feb. 25, 2018. Fiba ordered his suspension for 18 months starting from the day he was given the drug test.

In a press conference, Ravena, a former Ateneo Blue Eagles star player who turned professional last year for the NLEX Road Warriors in the Philippine Basketball Association, recalled that he took a preworkout drink bought over the counter after he ran out of his usual dietary supplement.

He said he had no intention of violating Wada rules, maintaining he was unaware that the drink he bought contained banned components.

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas said a formal communication from Fiba on May 22 stated that Ravena tested positive for three ingredients, Dimethylbutylamine, Methylexaneamine and Higenamine, which are on the Wada list of prohibited substances.

None of these substances are prohibited under Philippine laws, according to Puno, noting that even Fiba acknowledged that Ravena had committed an “honest mistake.”