Cage unity within reach – Alvarez

A cage official with vital roles in the two factions of the Philippine basketball is confident that the controversy involving the newly formed cage body would be resolved soon with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and business tycoon Manny Pangilinan reaching an agreement.

Lina Group of Companies top executive Lito Alvarez said Philippine basketball is now heading for unity and reconciliation as Estrada and Pangilinan sealed a breakthrough agreement in Hong Kong.

However, Alvarez, deputy secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines and an official of the pro league which has seats in Pilipinas Basketball board, is undecided on whether to accept the offer to be the treasurer of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

"It’s just a ministerial position. What’s more important is that Sen. Jinggoy (Estrada) and Mr. MVP (Pangilinan) have reached an agreement," said Alvarez. "Knowing the passion of both gentlemen for basketball, I’m sure everything will now be settled."

He also allayed fears that the new agreement would not sit well with the officials of the BAP, saying it has been the objective of the association to unify all sectors but couldn’t pursue it with Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco opposing the position of former BAP chief Joey Lina in the three-man panel.

A part of the agreement made by cage leaders in a Tokyo meeting early this year is the collapse of both the BAP and Pilipinas Basketball after the formation of SBP.

However, there were some quarters in the BAP which have been allegedly working against a provision in the agreement that would dissolve the cage body.

Estrada has said he’s no other option but to abide by the Tokyo accord. "Even if they (BAP people) don’t want to, as president, I had to make the move for the greater good of Philippine basketball. Otherwise, we would get stuck in this problem," said Estrada, keen on seeing the Philippines again competing in international plays.

The Fiba suspension of the Philippines might be lifted soon as a result the major breakthrough in the Estrada-Pangilinan talk.

The two agreed to lead the formation of the SBP with Estrada serving as chairman and Pangilinan the president.

After completing legal requirements, Pangilinan will send pertinent documents to the POC for its recognition as the national sports association for basketball and then seek the lifting of the Fiba sanction.

Also recommended to be part of the SBP leadership are PLDT top executives Ricky Vargas and Al Panlilio as vice chair and executive director, respectively.

Panlilio, however, is likely to decline the offer since he is currently based in Hong Kong. Panlilio and Estrada were classmates at Ateneo from grade school to secondary studies.

Estrada said BAP would be well represented in various SBP committees.