PBA slaps Jio Jalalon with ₱75K fine, 5-day suspension for health protocol violation

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) slapped Magnolia playmaker Jio Jalalon with a ₱75,000 fine along with a 5-day suspension without pay for violations of the league’s COVID-19 protocols barely a week before the league opens its 46 season on July 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

League commissioner Willie Marcial bared that the 28-year old Jalalon took part in an outdoor basketball event somewhere in Northern Luzon last week which clearly violates the league’s strict closed-circuit format.

“Umamin naman siya, nagpa-sorry siya. So finine namin siya ng P75,000 at 5-day suspension without pay,” said Marcial.

“Ang alam ko sa Northern Luzon. Umamin naman at nagpa-sorry. Sinabi na hindi na raw uulitin.”

The amiable league executive added that team management might also impose their own sanctions of the former Arellano University standout.

“Ang alam ko may ginawa pa ang team management, pero hindi ko masasabi,” said Marcial.

The PBA on Friday announced that protocol violators will be penalized with same amount coupled with a 10-day suspension without pay. Jalalon’s suspension, however, is shorter since his violation came before the said announcement.

This development was first reported by GMA News.