During halftime of Game Five of the semifinals series pitting TNT and San Miguel, San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua held an impromptu press conference to respond to the remarks made by Racela last Tuesday.
“We at San Miguel express our concern about the statements of Racela about special treatment,” Chua said.
“When we lost two games in a row, you didn’t hear from us. Special treatment for what? Because we won?”
The former head coach then cited that no one from their group airs their grievances to the public when they lose, saying that they keep things private within their staff.
“Sa amin lang, we’ve been here for the longest time. Pag natalo kami, we don’t say anything, pati coach namin, tahimik lang. Nung nanalo kami, he says humingi kami ng special treatment, ganito. Yung referee daw, ganito ganyan. Our coach didn’t say anything,” Chua pointed out.
“Sana mag-coach na lang siya. Special, kung tingnan mo yung team ko, wala namang itlog eh,” he quipped.
“Yun lang. Sana they mind their own team and we’re going to mind our own team.”
Chua then added that the Katropa’s defense on three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo had been too much for even the big man to handle. The 27-year-old had even admitted to them that some of TNT’s players apologized to him after the games.
“Basta kami, pag may concern, we compare what happened to June Mar with the way they’re guarding him, they’re fouling him. Tahimik lang yan si June Mar,” Chua shared.
“Nagsumbong lang na yun before na sinasandalan yung tuhod niya, yung kay [Jireh] Ibanes. Nag-sorry pa sila sa kanya after the game.
“The only thing the coaching staff did was to present the disc. Si June Mar, napakabait na tao niyan. Di nga nagsasalita yan. Para magreklamo yung tao ng ganun, something is wrong,” he added.
The PBA Governor then closed by saying that, just like everyone else, the only thing they are hoping for is everything to be called fair and square.
“Kami lang sa San Miguel group, we’re asking for a fair [officiating]. You never heard anything na may nag-complain sa amin. Natawag, natawag na yan. Move on. Yun na lang sa amin.”
