Amateur leagues Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and Philippine Superliga need to clear two more hurdles before they can receive the go-signal to resume their respective tournaments.
In Friday’s edition of the Laging Handa briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque revealed both prerequisites the two leagues need to accomplish so that they can play in Subic.
“Ang mangyayari po diyan, aantayin muna natin po na mag-isyu po ng guidelines ang Department of Health para doon sa protocols na applicable. Kasi ang existing protocols po ngayon ay applicable lamang sa professionals,” he said.
“Kinakailangan din po ‘yung pagpayag ng either the LGU or ng SBMA [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] kung saan pinaplanong gawin iyong sports bubble. Sila ang magpapatupad ng health protocols,” he continued.
Currently, only professional leagues can resume play. The Games and Amusements Board is in charge of their licenses.
On the other hand, amateur leagues like MPBL, PSL, and the collegiate leagues are not part of the current guidelines set by the Joint Administrative Order for sports consisting of the Philippine Sports Commission, GAB, and DOH.
The MPBL is looking to finish its Chooks-to-Go Lakan Season in a bubble on March 1. The PSL, on the other hand, plans to hold a beach volleyball tournament later this month.
If they accomplish this, Roque is confident that the IATF will allow them to play in Subic.
“High po ang chance na matutuloy ang kanilang paglalaro.”
