Solons see loopholes in drug tests

Eight players who failed the drug testing of the PBA questioned yesterday the accuracy of the procedure jointly conducted by the PBA, Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In yesterday’s hearing conducted by the Senate committees on public order and illegal drugs and games and amusement both chaired by Senator Robert Barbers, the PBA players, led by Zandro "Jun" Limpot of Ginebra San Miguel, said their urine samples showed traces of methamphetamine substance because they were under medication for various illnesses but were never hooked on illegal drugs.

The House committees on illegal drugs, headed by Rep. Antonio Cuenco and youth and sports led by Rep. Monico Puentebella also conducted its first public hearing.

The other players who testified under oath were Norman Gonzales, Noli Locsin and Long David of Talk N Text, Alex Crisano of Barangay Ginebra, Davonn Harp of Red Bull, Dorian Peña of San Miguel Beer and Ryan Bernardo of FedEx.

Sen. Robert Jaworski, who initiated the inquiry, centered on the PBA’s handling of the tests starting with the collection of urine samples, its labeling, transportation, evaluation and declaration of its results.

He also said the procedure could be prone to contamination or switching of samples.

On the other hand, Dr. Soccoro Yanez, the DOH official who is in charge of collecting the urine samples and conducting analysis of the specimens being submitted by the PBA players, admitted that they are handling the bottles to the players undergoing drug testing unsealed.

David said during the hearing that the bottles they were asked to use didn’t even look brand new.

"Mapanghe (pungent) na nung inamoy ko. Naglokohan pa nga kami ng mga teammates ko. Pero sinabi naman ng taga-DOH (health department) hinuhugasan naman daw ‘yun. Kaya ginamit ko na din," said David, eliciting a burst of laughter from the crowded room.

Limpot also noted that the bottle was already open when handed to him but, like David, used it without fear of failing the test.

"I even volunteered na unahin na ko. Tapos sa team namin, ako pa pala ang positive," said Limpot.

Yanez explained that the bottles given to the players contained their names and are being sealed only after urination.

"The names are being changed into codes by our authorized specimen collectors before they could be transported to those who would analyze the specimen. We gave two bottles A and B to the players. If the collection of urine is done in the practice site, the bottles are brought to the PBA and these are analyzed in front of the PBA players. If they are tested positive, we send the specimen for the confirmatory process using the Gas Chromatography Mass System or GCMS," Yanez said.

She added collecting specimen of the players being subjected to drug testing is in accordance with international standards.

"The sealing of the bottles occurs after the bottle is filled with urine and it is being transported for analysis," Yanez said.

Jaworski said that "human intervention" could occur while the bottle is being transported to the analysis area where switching or changing of the specimen submitted by the players could take place.

"We are not discounting the possibility that the specimen could be changed while it is being transported to the analysis area from the practice site where the players filled their urine in the bottles. If there is human failure, this will result in a serious problem for the player," Jaworski said.

Barbers, for his part, said that his committee will investigate whether the urine samples of the players in question were indeed switched.

"The principal issue is the accuracy of the results, the accuracy of the tests and the accuracy of the equipment and we have to look at that," Barbers said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bernard Regalado, an accredited physician of the Dangerous Drugs Board and program director for drug abuse prevention and control, suggested that the PBA used the "Hair Follicle Test" in their drug test.

Regalado said this system, widely used in the US, has proved to be effective in conducting drug testing.

But PBA commissioner Noli Eala emphasized he had full trust on the integrity of the process and the results of the test the league is undertaking in coordination with the DOH and the PNP Crime Lab.

"I believe our government agencies are doing well. The question is why would we go to the United States when we have agencies which can do the job here?"