THE PBA is set to enlist anew the aid of an old ally in the pro league’s bid to resume the stalled Governors Cup.
Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday said he would again ask the help of MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos to talk to Metro Manila’s local government units so that pro teams can practice in their areas.
“Masyadong marami kung iisa-isahin natin mga LGUs kaya si Chairman Abalos na lang kakausapin natin para rekta na,” Marcial told Malaya-Business Insight.
“Siya na lang magsasabi sa mga LGU’s, katulad ng ginawa natin nu’ng (last) June.”
Marcial was referring to the help provided by the MMDA in getting the nod of LGUs that ultimately paved the way for the pro league’s 46th season to commence at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last July.
Due to the surge in COVID infections following the holidays, the Governors Cup has been on hold since its last playdate on Dec. 26 and what should be done to salvage what is left of the conference will be clearer after a special PBA Board meeting later yesterday.
The Games and Amusement Board, the regulatory body for professional sports, has offered some light by giving the PBA the green light to go under a home-venue-home setup, quite a privilege since Metro Manila and its environs remain under alert level 3 at least up until the end of the month.
“Okay na si GAB, um-okay na siyang magsinula tayo, pero consent ng LGUs kailangan pa rin kaya hihingi ulit tayo ng tulong sa MMDA,” said Marcial.
Pasig, through Mayor Vico Sotto, also has a standing offer to act amew as host to the PBA but Marcial had earlier said the Board first wants a decline in the virus infections before resuming play, “for the safety of everyone.”
But with daily cases holding steady at around 30,000, it seems the teams’ representatives are at the moment settling for giving their squads more than just the currently allowed small group workouts composed of only four players per set.
“Sa tingin ko para sa Board, scrimmages muna,” Marcial said hours before the online meeting.
“Tulad nga ng unang sinabi ko, depende sa sitwasyon kung puwede na nating ituloy laro,” added Marcial. “Pero sa ngayon makapag-practice lang muna mga teams okay na tayo doon.”
