PSC urged to protect athletes ‘rights’

MANILA, Philippines -  Officials of the Philippine Swimming League (PSL) called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to assert its mandate as “regulatory body” to protect the constitutional rights of athletes and wield its corresponding power to sanction associations that fail to respect it.

PSL chair Nikki Coseteng, president Susan Papa and secretary-general Susan Benasa made the renewed appeal when they met with PSC chairman Butch Ramirez recently and discussed the long-standing problem besetting swimming.

“What the Senator and our group are telling the chairman is that the PSC has the mandate, it must implement the law and if the NSAs and POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) are not following the laws of the land, sanctions must be imposed,” said Papa.

The PSL has been fighting against the “exclusivity” of the sport’s local governing body, the Philippine Swimming, Inc. (PSI). The PSL claimed that by not holding “open” tryouts for national team slots, the PSI is “depriving swimmers of their constitutional rights.” Furthermore, the PSL said preventing swimmers from participating in non-PSI tournaments can be considered “bullying” and “child abuse” – both crimes.

“The PSC should enforce the laws on NSAs that are bullying, depriving many swimmers from competing,” Papa said, referring to the PSI. “Why can’t a swimmer join a tryout even if he’s a Filipino citizen? This is discrimination, which is against the constitution. And we now have a law against bullying.”

“If you prohibit a young swimmer from swimming, it affects him mentally and this is already child abuse. So there’s a crime committed and the PSC can suspend the erring NSA,” Papa added.

Under the current structure, the PSC, as a government body, may put on hold financial assistance to the NSA, a private and autonomous organization, but not actually suspend it as an operating entity.

“We recognize that the NSAs are autonomous in running their organization. But if they violate the law already, the PSC can come in. Sports can’t be exempted from the Constitution and laws of the land,” said Papa.

The protracted swimming feud had even led to cases filed at courts and awaiting decisions.

The PSL also reported to Ramirez the alleged bullying of swimmer Jacob Martin Pupos by National U coach Lambert Guiriba over his participation in PSL events. Guiriba had denied the allegation.

PSL execs stressed they’re making the appeal not only for swimming but also for the sake of other sports.