By Nick Giongco
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is urging the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) to shape up as it continues to ignore orders aimed at addressing leadership problems hounding the association the last two years.
In a letter dated Oct. 11 and sent by the ITF to the Philta’s board of trustees, ITF Chief Operating Officer Kelly Fairweather cited the non-recognition of lawyer Anthony Cablitas as president as well as the three elections it conducted in 2016 and 2017 (twice).
The letter, copies of which also sent to POC secretary general Patrick Gregorio, likewise mandated the Philta “to action constitutional reforms” concerning increase in membership and improve representation of stakeholders.
“The ITF is disappointed that Philta has continued not to engage with the ITF and that it refuses to meet any of the reporting obligations that have been imposed by the ITF to substantiate or otherwise demonstrate the valid election of Mr. Cablitas and the current trusteeship,” the letter said.
The POC, the ITF said, “has the authority to engage directly with the Philta to find a solution.”
The ITF said that it expects a “suitable outcome” no later than Nov. 15 with the POC empowered to take action and suspend the Philta if it deems appropriate given that the Philta has been informed about the ITF’s stand on the matter.
The ITF insists that the Philta cooperates fully with the POC.
