Fate of cage body in FIBA hands

Steve Hontiveros, secretary-general of the Philippine Olympic Committee, yesterday expressed high hopes that the world basketball federation (FIBA) would recognize Pilipinas Basketball as the new and rightful basketball association in the country.

"We’ve done everything that’s needed with no vested interest or hidden agenda," said Hontiveros of the POC’s latest move to finally solve the problems that have hounded Philippine basketball.

The POC is all set to furnish FIBA, the world governing body for the sport, a copy of the constitution and by-laws of Pilipinas Basketball, which is poised to take over the Basketball Association of the Philippines.

The suspension imposed by FIBA on the Philippines last year will also be lifted once it accepts Pilipinas Basketball as its newest member. The lifting of the suspension will give the Philippines the chance to play in this year’s Asian Games.

Hontiveros said POC president Jose Cojuangco would make the proper communication with FIBA, which is based in Switzerland. Once the Pilipinas Basketball charter reaches FIBA, it will have to be studied for further action.

"Let’s just wait for the FIBA decision. And let’s not pre-empt anything. We have complied (with FIBA’s instructions) to the best of our abilities," added Hontiveros, the president of the international bowling federation.

"Our goal was to have the strongest possible RP team," he added.

The Philippines failed to compete in at least three international tournaments last year because of the suspension. But it can no longer afford to miss the next one–the Asian Games because it serves as a qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Hontiveros also said the POC is in control of the situation.

"It’s not magulo as others would like to portray it," he said.

The POC was in a very similar situation last year when it recognized the Philippine Basketball Federation, and not the BAP, as the rightful basketball association in the Philippines.

But it failed to get the nod of FIBA, which continued to recognize the BAP. A memorandum of understanding, however, was reached by FIBA and the POC regarding the formation of a new group, and the possible lifting of the suspension.