The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) denied it violated the protocols of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) set by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Department of Health (DOH) after Glutagence coach Justin Tan also coached Filbasket team 7A Primus last Sunday.
The WNBL said it has been religiously following the guidelines in the JAO from the beginning during its closed-circuit system, a home-to-venue-to-home bubble that was approved by GAB.
“As per WNBL protocols prior to the game, all teams involved, league staff, the broadcast team as well as other stakeholders underwent a swab test as a condition to their admission inside the playing venue,” read the league’s statement signed by chairman Soy Mercado, executive vice president Rhose Montreal, and vice president for basketball operations Soy Mercado.
“Head Coach Justin Anthony Tan of the Glow Boosters passed the test and was allowed to perform his duties during the game.”
The league also said it complied with other protocols that include antigen swab testing before entry into its venue at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, temperature monitoring throughout the week, social distancing inside the venue, and the wearing of masks by game personnel including referees during the game.
Tan was present during Glutagence’s match against Taguig last Sunday morning and tested negative before entering the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center. Tan then made the one-hour drive to Subic Bay Gymnasium afterward.
With this, the WNBL stresses that the league didn’t commit any violation and that Tan’s whereabouts are no longer its responsibility.
“The current WNBL bubble and its protocols have been in effect and strictly adhered to since the league opened its season July 18, 2021,” it continued. “While it is submitted that ideally participants should maintain moving only between their residence, practices and official games, the WNBL has trust in all that they will follow health and safety protocols and will be allowed to participate as long as they register a negative result on game day.
“Prior to the start of the season, all athletes and officials including WNBL personnel signed a waiver that they will comply with the league’s health and safety protocols while being aware of the possible sanctions in case of non-compliance including but not limited to expulsion of the league.”
