Erring players face heavier fines from PBA

MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to crack down on “ligang labas” incidents such as the ones that involved Alaska’s Vic Manuel and Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon recently, the Philippine Basketball Association has set heavier penalties on players who would violate the rule against playing in non-sanctioned events.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has issued a memo setting a fine of a minimum of P50,000 and/or suspension for future violators of the “ligang labas” rule.

“Nasa UPC (Uniform Players’ Contract) yan. Bawal maglaro kahit saan basta naka-kontrata kayo sa PBA. Naglabas ako ng memo. Nilagyan ko ngayon ng minimum na P50,000 fine, and/or suspension,” said Marcial.

In previous violations, the PBA is content on letting the concerned team impose a sanction on its erring player.

Manuel and Jalalon recently admitted to playing in an unsanctioned game and were slapped with one-week suspensions without pay by their respective squads. 

“Gumawa na ng aksyon ang Alaska at Magnolia so sabi ko hindi ko na kayo aanuhin. Pero sa susunod baka P75,000 or P100,000 at suspension ang bigay ko sa inyo. Sinabi naman nila hindi na mauulit,” the commissioner said.

“Para rin sa players ito. Katulad nung merong na-injured,” he said, referring to Ping Exciminiano, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in a “ligang labas.”  The incident later prompted Rain or Shine to put on hold its plans to sign Exciminiano to a new contract.

Marcial said there are instances when the PBA allows players to take part in outside events.