Haydee Ong has resigned as commissioner of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, citing “irreconcilable differences” with league management on Sunday.
Ong, who led the league from the WMPBL Invitational through its transition to full professional status and its inaugural season last year, was instrumental in establishing a platform for Filipina basketball players at the professional level.
“It is with a heavy heart but a clear conscience that I announce my formal resignation as the Commissioner of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), effective immediately,” said the long-time University of Santo Tomas women’s basketball team coach.
In her statement, Ong explained that although she took on the role with the goal of creating a professional platform for Filipina players, recent developments within the league’s management made that objective “impossible to fulfill.”
(C) WMPBL
“When I accepted this role, I had one vision: to create a professional platform for Filipina basketball players to showcase their talent,” she said.
“However, over the past several months, it has become increasingly clear that the current environment within the league’s management has made that mission impossible to fulfill. Unfortunately, there have been irreconcilable differences in making critical and major decisions for the league.”
The 55-year-old tactician emphasized that the athletes remain the driving force behind the WMPBL’s growth, highlighting their central role in the league and calling for leadership that matches their dedication to the sport.
Ong clarified that her resignation is not a departure from basketball but a decision to uphold the principles she has carried throughout her career. She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s professional basketball, a cause she has championed long before joining the WMPBL.
“To the players, you are the heart of this league. You deserve a leadership that is as committed to the game as you are,” she said.
“As a final remark, I am stepping down not to abandon the sport but to preserve the values I have spent my entire career upholding. I remain committed to promoting women’s professional basketball.”
