POC asked to recognize BAPI

Being recognized by the POC is one thing. Being recognized by the FIBA is another.

The Basketball Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI), however, surely wouldn’t really mind whichever comes first as it continues its gruelling uphill battle for recognition as the country’s governing body in the sport.

Nic Jorge, BAPI secretary-general, yesterday asked the Philippine Olympic Committee to withdraw its recognition of the other contending group, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), which is under Tiny Literal.

"We have asked the POC to withdraw its recognition of the illegitimate BAP so we could start a new life for Philippine basketball," said Jorge during the weekly PSA Forum at the Manila Pavilion.

Jorge, who was joined by BAPI legal counsel Cecil Cinco, reiterated BAPI’s standing as the duly-recognized basketball body by the courts and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Jorge said their programs have been "hobbled by the current squabble" and sought an immediate resolution to the conflict.

"We appeal to the POC to recognize the BAPI as what court ruling provides," said Jorge, referring to the Court of Appeals decision upholding the BAPI as the rightful NSA (National Sports Association) and enjoining Literal’s group to cease representing itself as the BAP.

The POC has maintained a status quo on the basketball row and continues to recognize the BAP. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), a government agency, has done the same, opting to take a hands-off policy despite the court order.

Jorge said they will inform the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) of the true state of the sport in the country in the hope of getting its nod.

"We will inform the POC and the FIBA of the developments (here) in our bid for their recognition. We are confident that POC and FIBA officials will see the light as we have submitted pertinent papers to back up our claims," Jorge said.

Under normal circumstances, the POC only recognizes NSAs that are in turn recognized by their international federations (in this case the FIBA).

But the POC is now entertaining a different thought.

"We are reviewing the BAPI petition. Then if the FIBA would allow it, the POC will make a ruling on this and ask the FIBA to abide by it," POC sec-gen Romeo Ribano was quoted as saying yesterday.

"And when all is ironed out, we will divulge everything that would help us regain our berth as a POC member. Meanwhile, we have a gameplan that would lead us to victory. And this time, it is not a longshot," Jorge added.