Calvin Abueva reveals final ‘requirement’ for PBA return

What is that final step the PBA has asked Calvin Abueva to do in order to be reinstated in the league? 

That has been the question in the minds of many ever since Commissioner Willie Marcial shed light on the status of the suspended forward back in February.

Back then, the league chief said that Abueva is already in the second stage of those requirements, but never went into the specifics.

Finally, though, there are answers. And it came fromthe Phoenix Fuel Masters star himself.

Speaking in Tiebreaker Vods’ 2OT presented by SMART Sports on Saturday, Abueva said that he just needs to finish his psychological therapy sessions to accomplish his requirements.

The Kapampangan cager shared that he was actually on pace to finish the sessions until the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck.

“Sayang nga nagka-pandemya, hindi natuloy-tuloy ‘yung sessions ko,” he said in the podcast hosted by Carlo Pamintuan and Magoo Marjon.

Abueva said that he has already been to two therapy sessions, which he said have helped him immensely.

“Sa dalawang psychological sessions ko, nakatulong sa akin at nakatulong sa buhay ko,” he said.

“Ang dami kong na-improve sa buhay ko.”

The San Sebastian product also revealed the other steps involved in his bid to return to the league.

First was his public apology, which he made back in October; next was his involvement in various corporate social responsibility activities.

And Abueva has indeed been active in community services. In fact, he extended a helping hand to those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption last January.

Then during this pandemic, Abueva is contributing greatly to the Fuel Masters’ efforts in helping those affected as well as the frontliners. The food packs which Phoenix distributed in its last donation drive were prepared and cooked in his restaurant, Dampa Ni The Beast, in San Juan.

“’Yung mga pinapagawa nilang community service dinoble ko pa, kasi opportunity ko rin sa buhay ko na makatulong,” Abueva said.

Abueva was also asked to undergo drug tests, which he said he has already completed, in addition to the therapy sessions.

Abueva has been suspended for a year now due to two separate incidents in the early part of the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. First were his alleged lewd gestures towards Ray Parks’ girlfriend, followed by his clothesline hit on TNT import Terrence Jones just days later.

Besides the suspension, the seven-year pro was also slapped with a hefty fine that totaled PHP 70,000.

Now, Abueva hopes that he can finally make his way back to the league once he completes all the requirements.

“Nanggi-gigil na ako makabalik.”