PBFI appeals to FIBA; BAP calls for unity

The Philippine Basketball Federation Inc. will continue to appeal its case as it tries to put an end to the controversy that has rocked local basketball the last couple of months.

The PBF yesterday said it would appeal before the International Basketball Federation or FIBA, which reaffirmed the other day its recognition of the Basketball Association of the Philippines.

The PBF, under Moying Martelino, and the BAP, under Joey Lina, are both claiming to be the rightful basketball association in the country.

The PBF is banking on the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee where it drew 33 of the needed 39 votes from its members to expel the BAP.

The PBF-BAP row, which erupted last April has led to a FIBA suspension on the Philippines and has threatened the cancellation of the basketball competitions in this year’s SEA Games.

"As in all cases, we will appeal and exhaust all efforts," said Joey Romasanta, a PBF incorporator. "I think it’s just a matter of communication. Tinging ko paliwanag lang ang kailangan." Romasanta said.

" And I don’t see anything wrong with FIBA protecting its old association. That’s why we’d like the FIBA to fully hear our side, too," added Romasanta.

Meanwhile, Lina called for all basketball stakeholders to set aside "personal differences to enable the Philippine team to participate in all FiIBA-sanctioned international tournaments, particularly the Manila SEA Games "

He also welcomed the decision of the FIBA to retain BAP membership with the international body and deny the request for accreditation of the PBFI. "While the FIBA decision is a vindication of our position that BAP’s expulsion was indeed baseless and therefore arbitrary, we are still saddened by the fact that the Philippines will continue to be barred from participating in all FIBA-sanctioned international tournaments, including the forthcoming SEA Games," Lina said.

Lina also said that they will do everything possible to have BAP’s expulsion by the POC reconsidered as a result of the FIBA decision to ensure that basketball will be included in SEA Games and RP team could defend its title. — Abac Cordero