Philippines’ Alexandra Eala celebrates defeating Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova during their women's singles second round tennis match on day five of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2026. Timothy A. Clary, AFP
MANILA (UPDATED) — Senators on Monday lamented the possible sanctions that the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) may impose on Filipina star Alex Eala over her decision to compete in the Asian Games.
Eala will represent the Philippines in the Asiad instead of taking part in the China Open, a WTA 1000 event.
The China Open is a mandatory WTA tournament, and Eala is thus risking a monetary fine by not participating. One of her possible rivals in the Asian Games, Indonesia's Janice Tjen, has already withdrawn from the Asiad after the WTA denied her bid for an exemption from the China Open.
Senator Bong Go, Chairman of the Committee on Sports, on Monday said they understand and respect the rules of the WTA but appealed on Eala's behalf.
READ: Eala to shift focus to Singapore Open, Asian Games after US Open heartbreak
"I join the Philippine Tennis Association in respectfully appealing to the WTA to consider the exceptional circumstances of Alex's case and grant her the requested exemption from any penalty or sanction," said Go.
"The Asian Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and forms part of the Olympic movement. Our athletes compete in these games not merely as individuals, but as representatives of their respective countries. Sa palagay ko po, hindi dapat maparusahan ang isang atleta dahil pinili niyang katawanin ang ating bandila at bansa," he also said.
PHILTA has already requested an exemption for Eala, the national sports agency said in a statement to ABS-CBN News.
"We appreciate Senator Bong Go’s support for Alex and PHILTA’s appeal to the WTA," said PHILTA Secretary General John Rey Tiangco.
"We have formally requested an exemption and we respect the WTA’s process. At the same time, Alex has made her decision to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games, and we fully support her," he added.
"We hope the WTA recognizes the exceptional circumstance of an athlete choosing to compete for her country. Representing the flag should be supported and celebrated."
Senator Erwin Tulfo, for his part, said the Philippine government should step in and support Eala.
"Kung pagmumultahin siya dahil pinili niyang kumatawan sa ating bayan, hindi ba nararapat lamang na magpaabot ng tulong o suporta ang gobyerno sa kanya? Ten thousand dollars may be a significant amount, but compared to the honor of having one of our best athletes represent our country, I believe it is a price worth paying for," said Tulfo.
"Kaya hinihikayat ko po ang Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, at iba pang concerned government agencies na humanap agad ng legal at maayos na paraan upang matulungan ang ating kampeyon na si Alex," he added.
In a statement to ABS-CBN News, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said they are in close coordination with PHILTA as well as POC regarding Eala's situation.
"We will definitely assist Alex and PHILTA [and] POC," he said. "Para sa bayan ito."
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joel Villanueva meanwhile said a review of the country's sports policies is needed to ensure the availability of athletes for the national team.
— with a report from Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News