FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Filipino drifting prodigy Bella Cañete has been unfairly barred from competing in Round 5 of the Indonesian Drift Series (IDS) despite meeting all requirements and following every rule.
The decision had nothing to do with her skill, performance, or eligibility but stemmed from a private dispute between her parents and IDS officials, a matter entirely unrelated to her conduct as an athlete.
The Akuma Team successfully submitted Cañete’s complete registration and start permit for Round 5. However, Juragan99XAR, the event’s official partner, refused to process her entry, instructing that she must contact one of the directors of PT Indonesia Drift Series, Akbar Rais, directly. When her parents inquired, organizers confirmed that this special clearance requirement applied only to Cañete and not to any other drifter.
After further exchanges, Juragan99XAR confirmed that her registration was rejected solely due to the ongoing dispute between her parents and IDS, entirely unrelated to Cañete’s conduct, performance, or eligibility.
On October 24, 2025, without notice or explanation, Cañete was removed from the official championship standings, erasing the 448 points she had rightfully earned through four wins and four top qualifier titles. Upon noticing this, Bella commented on the Indonesian Drift Series Instagram page, but instead of responding, the organizers deleted her comments and those of anyone who questioned her removal.
As of this writing, Cañete was reinstated in the overall standings, but she is still barred from competing.
“Being barred feels like my country’s pride and the values I carry have been stomped on. It is not just a personal injustice; it is an attack on what it means to be a Filipino athlete. I may be 14, but I know what is right, and I refuse to be silenced,” Cañete said.
Represented by the Law Office of Ichwan Tony and Associates, who have been actively pursuing justice on her behalf, the legal team has formally submitted documents and evidence of the Complaint and Request for Protection to the Chairman of IMI (Ikatan Motor Indonesia), the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia, and other relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Cañete’s parents have formally notified the Automobile Association Philippines, regarding the incident and their ongoing appeal for support and intervention.
Out of respect for her team, Akuma, and to protect them from potential retaliation, Cañete has stepped back from competition until further notice.
“I will continue to stand for what is right and fair. To anyone who has ever been treated unfairly, stand tall, speak up, and fight for your voice. Your voice matters.”
Cañete remains determined to advocate for fairness, integrity, and respect in motorsport, ensuring that every driver, regardless of age, nationality, or gender, is judged solely on skill, dedication, and heart.
