MVP ready to quit to avert FIBA ban

MANILA, Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan will not hesitate to step down if it is the only way to save the Philippines from another FIBA (International Basketball Federation) suspension and called its three-man inquiry into the leadership row as a “moro-moro” (charade).

 “National interest comes first,” said Pangilinan, also the telecoms top man.

He said if the FIBA decision would be “inimical to the interest of Philippine basketball and the country, if this is the way to save Philippine basketball, so be it, I’m ready to resign.”

However, Pangilinan said the FIBA, which has formed a special commission to look into the leadership dispute in RP basketball this month in Geneva, must come out with a “final and categorical resolution and say that this is what they want. If they want to return the old group, then say so. Huwag na tayo mag-moro-moro (let’s stop this charade).”

Pangilinan made the disclosure Monday night together with Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, the SBP chairman, vice-chair Ricky Vargas, executive director Noli Eala and technical assistant Pato Gregorio.

Patrick Baumann, the secretary general of the FIBA, has formed a special body made up of FIBA secretary general emeritus Boris Stankovic, FIBA-Asia president Carl Men Ky and FIBA legal counsel Larry Madsen to “investigate” the controversy between the SBP and the discredited BAP (Basketball Association of the Phils.) and ordered the two sides to a meeting in Geneva July 20-22.

“Tell me what the charges are so we can prepare for it. If they’re ready to make a decision then talk to us. If they want us to quit so that RP doesn’t get suspended, then we’ll go,” said Pangilinan.

The SBP, however, said it would not attend the meeting and maintained the three-man body remained unclear on the complaints and mandate and urged the FIBA to send the panel to a fact-finding mission to Manila.

“Rather than call us to Geneva for a meeting, FIBA should instead send its special commission to Manila to check on the real situation of basketball in the country. Talk to the stakeholders, go to the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission), check with our records in the courts. Observe our program and compare it with the BAP’s because we’re not afraid of what they’ll find out,” Pangilinan said.

At the same time, MVP said that the creation of the FIBA special commission has no basis. “Contrary to the BAP’s claim, Philippine basketball is not in disarray. All our programs are in place and our national teams are getting ready to compete. Where’s the problem?”

He also disputed allegation that the SBP failed to follow or implement the Bangkok agreement, saying they have reported their compliance to the international federation a number of times. “So why can’t the FIBA accept this? We are their federation. Why listen to disgruntled individuals?” he said. – Lito A. Tacujan