Talk n Text subjects players to drug test

HONG KONG — Taking the initiative in a bid to make sure the coming PBA season is spared of drug-related incidents, the Talk n Text management took the whole team to a surprise drug test Friday and was satisfied with everyone coming out with negative results.

PLDT medical director Raffy Bejar, with two assistants, conducted the test during the team’s practice at the Sports Camp at the Fort in Makati, using the same procedure done by the PBA in coordination with the Department of Health.

Dr. Bejar tested the urine samples of all the players, the utility boys and the coaching staff, except head coach Joel Banal who had to skip the practice with his wife who gave birth to their fifth child.

"The management ordered me to make a surprise visit in the team’s practice and conduct the test to make sure all the team members from the coaching staff down to the utility are complying with the league’s rules on illegal drugs," said Bejar.

"And we’re happy with the result. Not even a false positive came out of the test," the PLDT medical chief added. "Kasi kahit fat-burners and energy-boosters ibinawal na naming ipainom sa mga players because it may cause false-positive result for them."

"We did that to avoid problem and, at the same time, help push the PBA’s drive against illegal drugs," said Talk n Text board representative Ricky Vargas.

The Talk n Text team seemed really determined to help in this cause that it even hired a consultant in Dr. Gene Mapala, head of the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital detoxification unit.

Talk n Text has had its own drug-related problems with Asi Taulava and Norman Gonzales failing the tests before.

Vargas ordered the drug test for the whole team before he went to this former British colony for the launching of their 1568 Smart Prepaid GSM Sim product yesterday.

Offered by PLDT (HK) Ltd., in partnership with the PLDT (Philippines) and Smart, the product is a prepaid mobile phone service to cater to the overseas Filipino workers here.

The product was launched yesterday at the Hong Kong Stadium with the program spiced up by performances by Filipino entertainers Pops Fernandez, Ogie Alcasid, Kris Aquino, Vhong Navarro, Angelica dela Cruz and the Viva Hot Babes among others.

Dubbed "Pinoy Idols," the program showcased the benefits of 1528 Smart in an entertaining and memorable event.