By WAYLON GALVEZ
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said Friday that the Board of Governors will have to reconvene after the latest statement of President Duterte regarding steps to beat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kailangan uli mag-usap ng board kung papaano na ang gagawin. Baka next week magpatawag ng meeting si chairman Ricky Vargas,” said Marcial.
In his press briefing, the Chief Executive mentioned that only a vaccine can eradicate the deadly virus and extended the Enhanced Community Quarantine for the second time.
The ECQ was supposed to end on April 30, but with the country still grappling to curb the coronavirus pandemic the government is forced once again to extend it to May 15.
The pro league opened its 45th Season last March 8, but Marcial and the board agreed to suspend the games a few days later. In a virtual meeting several weeks ago, the PBA decided to either have two conferences or one – depending on the situation.
“Ang last na napag-usapan kasi is two conferences, or maybe one. We’re not sure what conference kung matutuloy. July ba ang balik or August… hindi pa natin alam,” said Marcial.
“Ngayon ang tanong na e kelan dadating yung vaccine, this year ba or next… depende pa talaga yan.”
“Kasi naka-depende din tayo, ang PBA, and decision ng board sa sasabihin ng government. Hindi rin naman tayo makakagalaw kung naka-lockdown, kailangan sumunod tayo,” added Marcial.
According to the league chief, if and when a vaccine will be discovered and be available for everybody this year, the PBA should continue from where it started last March 8.
“Kung matutuloy man ang PBA… sa tingin ko ang logical is (to continue the) Philippine Cup. Ang pinag-uusapan natin two conference or one, unahin natin yung all-Filipino conference,” he said.
“Then kung sakali, saka natin pag-usapan kung possible na may import na conference. Pero for me, logical kung matutuloy ang PBA – Philippine Cup,” added Marcial.
SAFETY FIRST
Meangtime, San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said it’s important for each and everyone now to contribute and help in the effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve.
For him, winning this bout against a deadly disease is far more significant than winning another Philippine Cup title.
“Siyempre iyan naman talaga ang pinaka-importante ngayon. Mawala na yung virus… at ang Pilipinas panalo laban sa COVID-19,” said Austria.
Austria said that he understands the interest of basketball fans regarding the resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup, which opened last March 8 but has been suspended by commissioner Willie Marcial and the board due to the threat of the virus.
“Sa ngayon wala pa namang desisyon kung anong conference ang pwedeng ma-cancel,” said Austria. “Kung hindi matuloy halimbawa ang Philippine Cup this year, kami pa din naman ang defending champion. Kumbaga, skip lang muna ng isang taon.”
“Kagaya nga ng nasabi ko, mas importante ang champion buong Pilipinas. makakapag-antay naman yung Philippine Cup. Kaya sumunod tayo sa utos ng gobyerno to ‘Stay Home’ para sa kaligtasan nating lahat.”
