THE PBA Philippine Cup could resume in Pampanga immediately — with some help from the teams themselves.
According to Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro, Pampanga Gov. Delfin “Delta” Pineda is ready to officially green light the PBA playing in the province should all the teams show proof they are being accepted in places where they plan to stay.
“May requirement pa si Gov. Pineda and I’m just trying to collate everything,” Castro told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday.
“Kasi gusto niya magkaroon ng certification of acceptance from the hotel or accommodation ng mga teams. I’m just trying to collect everything. Pag na-i-submit ko na kay Gov malalaman din natin agad kung go na tayo doon.”
Castro added that is the last biggest obstacle the pro league must hurdle before it could resume action in the Philippine Cup.
“I’m still waiting for four teams to submit the certification,” said Castro.
The PBA voluntarily put the season-opening tournament, which kicked off July 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, on hold last Aug. 4 in anticipation of the government placing the National Capital Region under ECQ from Aug. 6-20 to head off the spread of the coronavirus’ Delta variant threat.
Due to an IATF resolution allowing the PBA to play in areas under the less restrictive quarantine levels, Pampanga was ultimately chosen since that province is under GCQ.
Castro added that Pineda has given the nod for the PBA playing in the province anew, like in last year’s Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, but certain requirements must still be met before official go-signal is given.
“Pinayagan na tayo verbally, but of course we want to comply with all the requirements para makakuha tayo ng black and white na approval from the governor. Para may pinanghahawakan talaga tayo,” explained Castro.
Castro, also the PBA’s operations chief, said majority of the 12 teams would be staying in Clark, inadvertently confirming what a league insider previously told Malaya-Business Insight.
Last year, all teams were housed at the Quest Hotel inside Clark City with all games played at the Angeles University Foundation Gym.
Castro reiterated, however, the Philippine Cup would be played at the Ynares-Pasig should the quarantine situation in NCR improve and the government lifts some of its restrictions within Metro Manila.
