The removal of the Bacolod Masskara franchise from the remainder of the MPBL 2026 Season, along with the lifetime suspension imposed on the players and coaches covered by the league’s disciplinary action, underscores Commissioner Emmer Oreta’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the league.
“When I assumed the role of Commissioner for MPBL Season 8, I made one commitment clear: to strengthen the integrity of the league through decisive and consistent action. Every action we have taken since then reflects that commitment,” Oreta said.
Since the start of the season, the league has consistently enforced its integrity measures. In April 2026, the MPBL issued a Yellow Card to Bacolod Masskara’s head coach as a formal warning following integrity concerns.
In May, the league issued a Yellow Card to the Iloilo franchise over similar concerns. In June, the MPBL revoked the Iloilo franchise after it violated league standards.
Most recently, on July 30, following the July 28 game between Bacolod and Bulacan, the league issued Red Cards, disqualified the individuals involved, and removed the Bacolod Masskara franchise from the remainder of the season.
“These actions reflect our commitment to protect the integrity of the MPBL,” Oreta said. “If protecting the integrity of this league means having fewer teams, then so be it. I will never compromise the integrity of the MPBL. We owe that to our players, our team owners, our fans, and everyone who believes in fair competition.”
Beyond the league’s administrative actions, the MPBL, through the Office of the Chief Legal Counsel, led by Atty. Glenn Gacal, is actively coordinating with the Games and Amusements Board and other government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation, to strengthen the ongoing investigation and pursue the appropriate legal and regulatory actions.
Gacal said the MPBL will continue to fully cooperate with the concerned government agencies and provide all necessary assistance to ensure those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.
According to Gacal, no one will be spared from the full-blown investigation that the MPBL has sought from the GAB — not even team officials and members of team management.
Regarding the Iloilo franchise, Gacal said the league’s rules and regulations, including the corresponding sanctions and penalties for violations, are already in place. He added that team management must always fulfill its financial obligations to both its players and the league on time.
For Oreta, the message is simple: this is not about one team. It is about protecting every honest player, every team owner, and the credibility of the MPBL.
The league will continue to act decisively against anyone who compromises the integrity of the game because the integrity of the MPBL always comes first.
