Basilan Mayor Julz Hataman broke his silence regarding the issues involving the Steel and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
And Hataman is demanding that league officials resign from their posts to save “whatever is left with the credibility of the league.”
“We demand full accountability from all the officials and demand their resignation to save whatever is left with the credibility of the league,” read Hataman’s statement in all-caps.
Last March 16, Basilan had to forfeit their do-or-die game versus Davao Occidental because four members of their delegation tested positive for the coronavirus.
A week prior, two players from the Steel also tested positive for the virus that resulted in the postponement of their game last March 10.
Basilan had been questioning why they had to forfeit the game as they sought for another postponement of the restart.
The league, on the other hand, is saying that its permit is only limited to a certain amount of time.
“We, along with the players and the including the supporters waited with enthusiasm and excitement for a year only to be disappointed by an unjust decision.
“We invested, putting two years of dedication, of time, discipline, and effort on the line to win every game and make our the support of our supporters worthwhile, but in a snap and without much consideration, our hope to win was taken away not in court, but by default — probably almost the worst type of losing in sports,” said Hataman.
The league’s protocols were set by the Department of Health and sponsored by the Subic Bay Management Authority. It is not the same Joint Administrative Order followed by pro sports and amateurs.
League founder Manny Pacquiao and Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascarinas had offered shoulder the cost incurred by Basilan in the quarantine hotel which had already ballooned to high six-figures Saturday.
Though moved by the gesture of Mascarinas, Hataman politely declined the offer.
“We deeply appreciate the generosity of Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas who stepped forward in helping us shouldering some of the cost. Chooks-to-Go has always been a partner of Basilan in promoting the province. In fact, we have been crowned Champions of their 3×3 President’s Cup and have represented CTG abroad in Mongolia and China by carrying Isabela City Basilan. Chook-to-Go can attest to how passionate and supportive we are in building championship-caliber teams. Despite just being a sponsor, they are the ones who took the responsibility of this,” expressed Hataman.
“Although we greatly value his gesture, this does not fix the big blunder by the MPBL committee. Thus, we politely and humbly decline the offer of the most respectable gentleman. This is not about money.”
It is still unknown whether Basilan will pull out of the league. But Hataman said that some members of the league are already looking to withdraw from the league starting next season.
“Member teams have already expressed their disappointment and have already forwarded their exclusion from the next bubble that is still doomed to fail. We have built this league with so much promise and enthusiasm that is now being challenged by incompetent management. Let us not throw all the hardwork and camaraderie because of this grave blunder,” shared Hataman.
“An attack and disrespect to a team is an attack to all member teams. If they can do this to a team then this can be done to all.”
