All players from SMC teams test negative for COVID-19

All players from San Miguel Corporation (SMC) teams in the PBA have tested negative for COVID-19.

“We are happy to report that all of our basketball players tested negative from the virus,” said SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang through a statement after results of the swab tests conducted on Brgy. Ginebra, San Miguel and Magnolia players were released Monday.

While sports, basketball and the PBA in particular, is considered an integral part in the lives of millions of Filipinos, prevention of the deadly disease from spreading further is a primary consideration before coming up with a decision regarding resumption of league activities.

“We defer to the government’s wisdom and decision on when team-based leagues like the PBA will return especially if people’s lives are at stake. While we all miss the PBA, we need to first create a safe environment to limit the spread of the virus,” said Ang.

“Our players and employees have nothing to be worried about as we have assured that they will continue to receive their salaries and health benefits. And we have constantly reminded our players as well as other employees to strictly follow health protocols during this time,” he added.

The SMC top honcho assured that guidelines and protocols would be strictly enforced once the government gives the go-signal for teams to resume training.