THE PBA may yet see all its hard work and sacrifices amply rewarded.
According to Commissioner Willie Marcial, the pro league’s bid to finally get approval from the IATF to open its season would be tackled in the next meeting of the government agency.
This development was relayed to Marcial after he submitted the league’s position paper to the IATF last Monday.
“Hindi ko alam kung kalian ‘yung next meeting nila, probably sa loob ng susunod na linggo at kailangan naroon kami ng team ko para ipaliwanag ng husto posisyon natin, kung bakit dapat tayong payagan,” related Marcial.
“Gayun pa man, sinabihan ko na rin ang mga teams na maging handa na sila lalo dahil baka ibigay na iyong go-signal tungkol sa opening natin any day now.”
Main bone of contention of the PBA would be its hassle-free holding of the Philippine Cup bubble last year as well as the equally spotless scrimmages all 12 teams have been having in their provincial scrimmages since mid-May.
“Naipakita na nating kaya nating magdaos ng tournament na walang problema at ganoon din sa mga practices sa mga nakalipas na lingo,” Marcial pointed out.
“Iyung position paper, nakasaad din doon ang mga istriktong protocols na ginagawa at susundin natin, at i-pe-presenta natin sa task force kung paano kaya nating ituloy at siguraduhin iyung malinis na pa-tournament,” added Marcial.
“Iyung protocols nga natin mas mahigpit pa sa karamihan, talagang hospital-standard.”
The PBA has received clearance from the IATF to conduct scrimmages in areas under GCQ, but remains barred from holding such sessions in Metro Manila where the quarantine status carries with it restrictions, like playing in indoor basketball courts.
The prohibition prompted the 12 PBA teams to go to such provinces as Batangas, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga and Zambales.
Marcial had a meeting last week with MMDA chief Benhur Abalos and vaccine testing czar Vince Dizon to discuss the planned opening, apart from the vaccination of the entire PBA family.
