"I am prepared to assume the position of Chairman and President of Samahang Basketbol in a concurrent capacity provided I have the full support of both Pilipinas Basketball and the Basketball Association of the Philippines in forming the management team," ayon sa press statement ng Smart at PLDT chief na si Pangilinan.
Ayon sa statement, kinailangan komunsulta ng three man panel na pinangunahan ni Pangilinan kasama ang Basketball Association of the Philippine head Joey Lina at Philippine Basketball President Bernie Atienza sa iba’t ibang sector at stake holders bago niya marating ang desisyong ito.
"Now that the elements are in place, it is now time to make that unity happen. "The FIBA deadline of September 30 adds critical urgency to completing this national task," sabi pa ni Pangilinan. After three weeks of work, the 3-man panel has reached the closing stage of finally forging unity for Philippine basketball. For this I am indeed grateful for the cooperation and contribution of Joey Lina and Bernie Atienza and their respective memberships.
Matapos marehistro sa Securities and Exchange Commission, ang susunod na hakbang ay ang pagkuha ng sanction ng Philippine Olympic Committee sa ilalim ni president Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco na siyang inaasahang magbibigay daan sa pagpapawalang bisa. (Mae Balbuena)