Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 22) — The country has rejoined the global tennis scene after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) lifted its suspension on the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) on Sunday.

“I am pleased to confirm that the ITF Board of Directors has decided to lift the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association… in accordance with Article 5 of the ITF Constitution,” ITF president David Haggerty said in a letter to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino dated January 21.

“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,” he added.

The ITF suspended Philta in December 2020 after it was seen as an exclusive membership organization and lacked regional representation.

Tolentino expressed his gratitude to the ITF for reinstating Philta.

“The POC would like to thank Mr. Haggerty and the ITF for lifting the suspension that would allow Philippine tennis to get back on track,” he said.

The Philta elected its new set of officers last month with Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez named as president.

Also elected were Rolen Paulino as vice president, Calabarzon’s Gerardo Alcala as treasurer, and Mimaropa’s Theodore Jose Matta as internal auditor.

The other members of the board voted independently by their respective regions were Franzes Khu Camacho (Bicol), Theodore Dy (Western Visayas), Elmaerwin Sibucao (Ilocos Region), Gilbert Paylado (Mindanao), Dickerson Laruan (Cordillera Autonomous Region), Fernando Silapan (Cagayan Valley), Joile Mondragon (Eastern Visayas), Jean Henri Lhuiller (Central Visayas), Dyan Castillejo (Caraga), and April Toledo for Gender Equity.