Lina bats for review of drug test method

FedEx Express team owner and Air21 chairman Bert Lina yesterday reiterated his management’s all-out support to PBA Commissioner Noli Eala’s program against drug abuse, but at the same time clarified that the problem is about the testing procedure and not the policy itself.

"There is no question about the PBA’s drug policy. I know every team in the league wants the drug menace eradicated," Lina said.

"But the mere fact that some quarters are questioning the way the tests are handled and announced, means there are loopholes in the procedures," the Air21 chairman added.

"There is an opportunity to improve and correct the system and we must take advantage of that."

Lina’s fight against drug abuse is not limited to his PBA team, as drug testing has been a prerequisite in all of his business establishments. Even in the Air 21 Tour Pilipinas, which Lina organized and sponsored, all 84 of the cyclists who took part, were subjected to drug tests.

He said all the PBA teams are all-out in their support of Commissioner Eala’s fight for a drug-free league.

In the case of Red Bull’s Jimwell Torion, Lina said the Thunder point guard admitted to his misdeed.

"Noon, walang uproar because the offenders admitted to their misdemeanor. But in the case of (Jun) Limpot, (Noli) Locsin and even our very own player in Ryan Bernardo, who are swearing to high heavens of their innocence, baka naman they are really not guilty.

Pababayaan na lang ba natin sila na maparusahan? What I’m asking is what shall we do to find out the truth?

"If we review the procedures, then we might find the answers," said Lina.

Lina’s proposal is to have two urine samples for each player, with the second one being held for safe keeping by Commissioner Eala and only he will have access to it.

The first one, he said, must be tested and if this is negative for illegal substance, then the case must be closed. If the first sample is found to be positive for drugs, then the PBA must look into the second urine sample, which must be tested in the presence of the player, his team, the PBA, the Games and Amusements Board and the Department of Health.