Literal sues for contempt

Basketball Association of the Philippines legal counsel Bonifacio Alentajan Friday filed a motion with the Manila Regional Trial Court to cite Gonzalo Puyat II and his group for contempt after they openly defied an earlier court ruling by holding an election where Puyat was elected president.

At the same time, Alentajan asked the court to render the June 7 election of Puyat as null and void "for lack of quorum and having been held in blatant violation of the directive by the court."

On Wednesday, Judge Artemio Tipon denied the BAP of Quinteliano Literal a temporary restraining order that would stop the Thursday elections called for by Puyat at his ManilaBank office in Makati.

But Tipon set specific guidelines that must be followed by the contending parties, foremost of which was the holding of the elections on June 20 right at the court’s library.

"These people (Puyat and Co.) think they are above the law and so they must pay for their arrogance. Di naman kami ang binastos nila dito kungdi ‘yung batas," said Alentajan.

If found guilty of contempt, Puyat and his group may draw a fine not exceeding P30,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both.

Included in Alentajan’s petition for contempt are Puyat, Godofredo Jalasco, Nicanor Jorge, Brigido Dulay, Mauricio Martelino, Matias Calizar, Liberato Valenzuela, Rey Tang, Francisco Luis Alas, Salvador Andrada, Emmanuel Perez de Tagle, Oscar Bascon, Eduardo Gullas and Ricky Palou.

"How can you respect these people when they don’t even respect the law?" said Alentajan. "This utter disregard for the law must stop now."

Alentajan said Puyat’s move is a clear desperate attempt to cling to power.

"Look at their number, they simply don’t have it. ’Yung apat pa d’u’n sa 13, kuwestionable pa," said Alentajan who also lashed out at Puyat for his desperation move.

"Puyat should call it a day. He was with the BAP for over two decades but look at where basketball has gone? Tapos, gusto pa nilang ibalik," said Alentajan. "Wala na ngang nangyari noong medyo bata pa siya, ngayon pa? Come on. Let’s all wake up from this nightmare."

Alentajan said that the BAP group of Literal will comply with all the requirements and guidelines set by Judge Tipon.

"We will push through with the June 20 election as ordered by the court. Hopefully, that will put an end to this crisis."