Rody names Uy adviser on sports

MANILA, Philippines - Phoenix Petroleum president and chief executive officer Dennis Uy is another PBA personality to serve in President Duterte’s administration after his appointment as presidential adviser on sports.

Uy, team owner of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, had his first appearance as government sports official in the sendoff ceremony for Rio Olympic-bound Philippine athletes in Malacañang Palace yesterday.

“We take pride and honor on the appointment of one of our team owners to such position giving him the opportunity to further push the development of sports for the youth,” said PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa.

“It speaks highly of Mr. Dennis Uy and his commitment to sports,” Narvasa added.

“It was hard to pass upon an opportunity to help in the vision of the President for sports and our athletes,” said Uy. “More than anything else, it is for love of country, support for our athletes and upliftment of our sports programs.”

Earlier, GlobalPort team owner Mikee Romero and Mahindra team manager Eric Pineda won seats in Congress as the top two nominees of party list 1-Pacman.

Another PBA personality, four-time PBA MVP awardee Ramon Fernandez, was appointed to the five-man board of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Fernandez serves as one of four commissioners under returning PSC chairman Butch Ramirez.

Uy is a Davaoeño and sports patron who supported the Junior NBA and WNBA Philippines, muay thai and car racing, among others.

The 43-year-old sportsman/businessman is a graduate of La Salle. 

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra is bringing in St. John’s Red Storm Justin Brownlee as the Gin Kings await the recovery of Paul Harris from a fractured right thumb suffered in the Ginebra-GlobalPort match Saturday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Brownlee, a former Maine Red Claw, San Diego Surf and Erie BayHawk in the NBA D-League, is expected to arrive Thursday in time for the Ginebra-Alaska tussle Sunday.

“Paul will be out of action for four weeks and will be placed on the injured reserve list,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Harris, a champion import with Tropang TNT, suffered an open wound fracture right in his first game with the Gin Kings. Despite Harris’ exit, the Gin Kings prevailed, 93-84.