Honor court verdict on BAP — GMA

As far as President Arroyo is concerned the recent Court of Appeals decision on the Basketball Association of the Philippines controversy must be final and executory.

"I was telling (Philippine Sports Commission chairman) Butch (Tuason) what does the court say? Let’s just follow it," said the President regarding the issue which recently placed the country in an embarrassing position.

The leadership dispute between Gonzalo "Lito" Puyat and Quintellano "Tiny" Literal has led to a suspension by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) therefore endangering the country’s stint in the forthcoming SEA Games.

The Court of Appeals earlier this week handed down a 15-page decision declaring Literal’s election last June 7 illegal while upholding the legitimacy of Puyat’s group.

In the same decision, the Court of Appeals also stressed the autonomy of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is solving problems regarding local sports associations like the BAP.

"Let’s just follow whatever the court says. What’s important is that we send a (basketball) team because it’s a possible gold medal winner," added the President herself a basketball fan during her younger days.

Freddie Jalasco, former BAP president and chief of mission of the RP delegation to the Kuala Lumpur Games, said that since the President has spoken, it’s mandatory for the parties involved to follow the recent court decision. — Abac Cordero