PBA, PFL, ‘Chooks’ 3x3 moving forward

MANILA, Philippines — Professional leagues led by the PBA hit the “on” button for their delayed training resumption as Metro Manila and other areas ease back to general community quarantine (GCQ) beginning today.

The PBA has set mandatory PCR testing for the 12 teams this week before officially kicking off government-approved small group training sessions by Aug. 25.

Newly turned pro Chooks to Go Pilipinas 3x3 will also get its squads swabbed this Friday ahead of practices eyed at the University of the Philippines Epsilon Chi Center by Monday.

For its part, the Philippines Football League (PFL), which already conducted tests last month, is waiting for the clubs to schedule their training at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the quintets are booked for testing on Aug. 20 and 21 at the Makati Medical Center and San Miguel Corp. facilities (for the three SMC teams).

“We expect the results after two or three days, hopefully there’ll be no problems and, after that, it’s on,” he told The STAR.

The looming workouts gave the pro league more hope for play resumption by October. Per provisions in the Joint Administrative Order signed by the Department of Health, Games and Amusements Board and Philippine Sports Commission, contact drills and actual games may be allowed in low risk areas (modified GCQ).

“If the situation continues to improve, we can do scrimmages and if NCR goes under MGCQ, there’s a good chance we can play by October,” said Marcial.

Chook to Go 3x3 is likewise ready to take the first step in its bid to play its actual tournament in a bubble by September.