The International Tennis Federation (ITF) lifted the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) after the national sports body conducted an elections last December.
In an e-mail sent to Rep. Abraham Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, ITF president David Haggerty welcomed PHILTA 'to active membership'.
"I am pleased to confirm that the ITF Board of Directors has decided to lift the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association pending the receipt of the 2024 ITF Subscription Fees, in accordance with Article 5 of the ITF Constitution," Haggerty said in the email dated January 21.
Upon the payment of aforementioned fees, Haggerty said that "PHILTA will be considered an active member of the ITF with its full rights restored".
"PHILTA's return to active ITF membership is a significant moment for tennis in the Philippines and the ASIAN region, and the ITF is highly motivated to support PHILTA in its efforts to develop, grow and promote the sport in the coming years," the ITF chief added.
In 2020, ITF suspended PHILTA after the world governing body of tennis observed that the national sports association has an 'exclusive membership base' and lacks 'regional representation'.
The suspension prevented Philippines from sending netters to ITF-sanctioned tournaments, including the Olympics, and the Davis Junior Davis Cup.
In the elections supervised by the POC at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez won as president of PHILTA, while mayors Rolen Paulino of Olongapo City, and John Rey Tiangco of Navotas city snagged the positions of vice president and secretary general, respectively.
