By Waylon Galvez
The PBA board is now discussing key factors and protocols that will be presented to government officials for possible resumption of the Philippine Cup later this year.
Alfrancis Chua, who represents Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, said that board representatives are now “brainstorming” in order to find ways for an early return after the league decided to halt games due to coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re talking about ways and means on how to resume and we’re thinking of protocols,” said Chua, also the Sports Director of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
“If and when the board decides on it, we’ll present it to the government. Whatever the decision, we’ll respect of course, we’ll follow what the government would tell us,” added Chua.
The league formally opened its 45th Season last March 8 with the All-Filipino conference, but after a single game, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial announced the suspension because of the global health crisis.
Aside from the games, the Commissioner’s Office also ordered the teams to cancel practice sessions.
Marcial has already mentioned that the all-Filipino conference is the logical one to continue since the players are all available.
The board, Chua said, shares the same sentiment.
“Kasi nga anjan naman yung mga players natin. Hindi na tayo kailangan pang kumuha ng imports. Saka itutuloy lang natin dahil nag-start na naman na tayo,” Chua said.
Aside from the regular swab testing for COVID-19, and limiting personnel at the venue, one important thing the board is discussing is having teams stay in quarters for two to three months.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, who has been vocal in resuming the games, said that the PBA can likewise look at other sports and leagues abroad, like in Europe, which had several football tournaments back in action.
“Pwede tayo tumingin sa ginagawa ng ibang liga, hindi lang sa NBA. I’ve been discussing measures kay commissioner Marcial para makabalik na din ang PBA,” said Guiao.
“Tama na unti-unti, para maka-balik tayo, maka-tulong man lang tayo sa mga kababayan natin. Kasi sport, lalo ang basketball, malaking bagay yan na mayroong napapanood ang tao, lalo ang PBA,” he said.
