GAB to require drug test for PBA

If there are PBA players indeed taking or still taking illegal drugs, they better clean up or they won’t get playing license from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).

GAB chairman Eduardo Villanueva told The STAR they’ll pursue their program against illegal drugs despite the controversy that reached the Senate halls regarding a score of PBA players flunking the drug test last year.

As they have started last year, Villanueva said they’ll require the PBA players to undergo mandatory drug test before the start of the PBA Fiesta Cup opening on Feb. 22 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Last year, Fil-foreign players Asi Taulava and Dorian Peña were barred from playing in the early goings of the season after testing positive for traces of marijuana.

Jimwell Torion, Norman Gonzales, Alex Crisano flunked the random tests of the league later on, prompting PBA commissioner Noli Eala to call a one-time mandatory test that netted six more alleged offenders in Peña, Jun Limpot, Noli Locsin, Davonn Harp, Ryan Bernardo and Long David.

Except for Torion, all the players denied ever using illegal drugs. They appealed their cases with the GAB but, save for Limpot, withdrew later on. GAB ruled the test done on Limpot had flaws.

"The program continues but we’ll handle this with delicate care because this is a very sensitive issue," said Villanueva.

"If there would be player testing positive, result of his test will be delivered in my office signed and sealed. Walang makakakita nito even the league commissioner. We’ll then have it reconfirmed," Villanueva added.

The GAB chief said the players can undergo test in any of the clinics accredited by the agency. Handling the GAB program is GAB chief physician Nasser Cruz.

"There’s the right procedure to conduct this test. Hindi pwedeng sa mga comfort rooms lang ng gyms kung saan nageensayo ang mga teams," he said.

Villanueva said they’re conducting the program not only in the PBA but in other professional sports, including billiards and golf.

In boxing and other contact sports, like mixed martial arts, some players are also required to undergo city scan test.

The PBA is likewise pursuing its own random-drug testing. Handling the program is league technical chief Perry Martinez.