The Games and Amusements Board held an online meeting with the team owners and representatives of the clubs that will compete in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational Tournament set from December 11-23, 2021, Wednesday afternoon.
Present were team reps from 20 of the 22 teams that have confirmed, namely Negros Muscovados, Binan City-Laguna Krah Heroes, Caloocan Supremos, Bicol Volcanoes-LCC Malls, Rizal Golden Coolers-Xentro Mall, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Imus Bandera, FSD Makati Blazers, Sarangani Marlins, GenSan Warriors, Bacolod, Marikina Shoemasters, Iloilo Royals, Muntinlupa Cagers, Manila Stars, Go for Gold-San Juan Knights, Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, Valenzuela Classics, Mindoro Tamaraws, Bulacan Kuyas, and Jumbo Plastic-Basilan.
“We are happy that GAB was able to meet and orient the team owners about our mandate relative to GAB’s supervisory and regulatory function over the conduct of professional sports such as basketball,” said GAB Pro Sports Division chief June Bautista.
“We are also grateful that through this orientation and dialogue we were given the opportunity to discuss and address their concerns and inquiries,” added Pro Sports Division Assistant chief Jackie Lou Ornido.
“GAB is always there to assist and we look forward to working together with the league for the safety and welfare of our athletes and all our stakeholders.”
During the orientation, GAB was able to convey the need to license players, officials, and personnel directly involved in the game. In addition, it was able to inform the stakeholders about the duties and responsibilities of professional athletes and sports officials.
Finally, GAB also gave leeway to the players who have already secured their licenses after joining the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup and National Basketball League-Pilipinas. The regulatory agency allowed a free renewal of expired licenses until after the tournament.
