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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villanueva on Brownlee's failed doping test result: 'What's with the timing?'

Villanueva on Brownlee's failed doping test result: 'What's with the timing?'

Published Oct 14, 2023 09:57 am

At A Glance

  • Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that while he's not questioning the credibility of the organizers of the 19th Asian Games, he's puzzled with regard to the timing of the release of Justin Brownlee's failed doping test result.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that while he's not questioning the credibility of the organizers of the 19th Asian Games, he's puzzled with regard to the timing of the release of Justin Brownlee's failed doping test result.

In an interview, Villanueva said that it was alarming that the cagers were allowed to play before the results of the tests were released.

"Parang hindi naman tama yun (I don't think that's right)," he said.

"Hindi ko alam ha (I don't know), I’m not even questioning yung (their) credibility nila pero yung (but the) timing, bakit ganun (why is it like that)?  I really don’t understand how they do it," he added.

Brownlee's heroics were instrumental in Gilas Pilipinas' gold medal-clinching triumph in the Hangzhou, China Asian Games. It was the country's first basketbal gold medal in the Asiad since 1962.



Villanueva said that as a basketball aficionado and a passionate one at it, the turn of events has been disheartening. 

"Parang wag naman i-dillute yung victory na we are still cherishing. Ninanamnam pa nag natin ang victory tapos lalabas yung ganito (They should not dillute the victory that we're still chershing. We're still enjoying the victory then this comes out)," he said. 

The senator, however, pointed out that they do not tolerate such actions. But when it comes to Brownlee, he said that he was the one person that he was so proud to grant naturalization through act of Congress.

"Hindi din ako makapaniwala (I also can't believe it) because I also know the guy personally, I’m not just a fan on the sidelines watching; I talk to him, I see him," he said.

"It’s ridiculous for him to even think about it," he added.

Villanueva also mentioned that if he were Brownlee, he would be extra careful about everything he does after he got his citizenship.

He added that there have been incidents where these tests have been wrong. 

"Again, this is not the first time na may ganitong nangyari (that there has been an incident like this) in the history (of) sports," he said.

"This is an irreparable damage kung nagkataon na nagkamali sila (in case they're wrong)," he added.

In the meantime, Villanueva said that he will not diminish what the Philippine team and the country's basketball program have achieved.

Related Tags

Justin Brownlee Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva Senator Joel Villanueva 19th asian games
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