Despite go-signal from gov't, PBA still waiting to test players before allowing practices

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is still waiting to have its players tested before allowing teams to return to the gym despite receiving green light from the government to resume training.

The Games and Amusement Board, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Health on Monday released a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) regarding guidelines on the conduct of practices in professional sports.

While the PBA welcomed the development, the league has chosen to exercise caution before going ahead with any basketball activity.

"Inaprubahan kami nung Monday, kahapon, so magpapa-testing kami. E magpapa-testing kami sa Makati Med, puno. Hihintayin lang namin," PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in a phone conversation with GMA News Online.

Teams were supposed to undergo swab testing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in San Miguel Corporation's testing facilities. However, the results will be released by batches and is expected to take some time.

Teams under the SMC umbrella will still have their testing in the conglomerate's facility, but other teams will be tested in the Makati Medical Center by August 6 or 7.

"By then, within two days, tapos two days ang resulta, pagkatapos nun practice na tayo. Hinihintay na natin 'yung swab testing," Marcial said.

With the delay in testing affecting the schedule of practices, Marcial said the PBA Board will have to move its decision on the resumption of the games.

The PBA was supposed to meet in August to decide on the fate of the season, but Marcial said it might take them until September to make the final call.

"Sana by September o October payagan na tayo maglaro na, masimulan na ang PBA, magpapatuloy ang 45th season," said Marcial.

The PBA suspended its games last March as community quarantines were imposed over the country to curb the spread of COVID-19. —MGP, GMA News