(MANILA BULLETIN) Senators on Friday, October 13 said it is better to wait for the outcome of the doping case on Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player Justin Brownlee before jumping to any conclusions.
Lawmakers made the appeal after Brownlee reportedly failed the International Testing Agency’s (ITA) doping test a day after the team won the gold medal in men’s basketball.
“It is better to wait for the outcome of the process since the same can be appealed,” Sen. Francis Tolentino said in a statement.
“But personally, I don’t think Justin will do such a thing. Gilas will be stronger because of this and we still dont know the truth sorrounding this,” Tolentino said.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go also said the matter “raises concerns.”
“I encourage Justin Brownlee to make himself readily available in order to have his samples re-analyzed, as provided by anti-doping protocols, before the issue will be adjudicated by the appropriate world sports body,” Go said.
“And whatever the final findings would be, we will cross the bridge when we get there, so to speak,” he pointed out.
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also said there are certain mechanisms available for the sports officials and Brownlee to appeal his case.
“And I am optimistic that they will take the necessary steps to address his current situation,” Estrada said.
“It is crucial to remember that his doping allegations are still under investigation and have not been resolved yet,” he added.
“It might be too early to form any opinions or judgments until more details become available,” he pointed out.