MANILA, Philippines – All in the name of Philippine basketball.
The country’s top basketball supporter, Manny V. Pangilinan, is willing to make the ultimate
sacrifice by stepping down as head of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas if this is the only way to
save the country from getting another suspension from the International Basketball Federation
(FIBA).
FIBA is calling for both officials of the SBP and Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP)
to attend a special meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to settle the leadership dispute between the two
groups. The meeting is set from July 20 to 22.
The FIBA has created a three-man panel to investigate whether SBP violated its merger with the BAP
as the Philippines’ governing body in basketball. The merger and agreement was created three years
ago in Bangkok.
The BAP has sought FIBA’s help regarding its exclusion from running the cage affairs in the
Philippines, accusing the SBP of not complying with the Bangkok Agreement.
“If this is the way to save basketball from suspension, then I am ready to resign," Pangilinan
said.
But Pangilinan said he wants to know the extent of FIBA’s position regarding the leadership
crisis between the SBP and BAP. He also wants FIBA to come up with a final and categorical solution
to finally end this long feud.
“FIBA must come out and say that this is what they want. If they want the return of the old group
(BAP), then say so, I have no problem with that. Let’s just stop this moro-moro," Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan’s group questioned FIBA’s sudden decision to create a committee that will
investigate the BAP-SBP feud.
“We will attend (July 20-22 meeting), but first, we must know what the charges are against us,
para naman makapaghanda kami," said Pangilinan.
The telecommunications mogul added that they have nothing to explain to FIBA and stressed that the
country’s basketball programs under his leadership are in place.
“Contrary to BAP’s claim, Philippine basketball is not in disarray. All our programs are in
place and our national teams are all getting ready to compete. Where is the problem?" said
Pangilinan, who even suggested FIBA must do its investigation in the Philippines, and not in Geneva.
“That is more ideal because they can see for themselves the work that has been done by SBP," he
added. “We will let them talk to stakeholders. Go to SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
Check with our courts. Observe our program and compare it with the BAP’s. Hindi kami natatakot
dahil wala kaming itinatago."
“We have reported to FIBA so many times about our compliance. The Philippine courts have already
decided that our group has complied with the Bangkok Agreement, not BAP. So why can’t FIBA accept
this?"
