MANILA, March 26 -- The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) wants the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) to become fully an independent body that will cater to national athletes.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann cited Malacanang's "total support" in the bid to form an independent PHI-NADO serving the national athletes and to be fully compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, and with the support from the Senate and Lower House members.

The Philippines, which was removed from the compliance watch list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) last week, has to strengthen its anti-doping program and continue to educate athletes and coaches from various national sports associations (NSAs).

"Given the progression of the anti...