James Yap will be taking a leave of absence from Rain or Shine for the upcoming 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup slate to begin late this month.
Yap, 39, is running for a council seat in the first district of San Juan City.
For their part, Rain or Shine is all-out in its support for Yap.
“We would like him to concentrate and focus on his campaign,” said PBA governor Mert Mondragon.
“Our team recognizes the need for him to touch base with his constituents.”
Yap is a 17-year PBA pro and is in his fifth year with the Elasto Painters. He averaged 7.86 points and 2.0 rebounds in the 2021 Philippine Cup.
The native of Escalante, Negros Occidental and long-time resident of San Juan filed for his candidacy last October 5.
Yap feels grateful to Rain or Shine for allowing him to focus on his path.
“Ako ay taos pusong nag-papasalamat sa aking ROS family – sa owners, management, coaches, teammates at iba ko pang mga kasamahan sa kanilang – sa PBA, at sa Board of Governors sa paghintulot sa aking temporary leave of absence sa darating na conference. Maraming salamat sa inyong pag-unawa at suporta,” he said.
“Sa ROS fans at Yapsters, sana ay patuloy niyo suportahan ang ROS at PBA,” he continued.
“Samahan niyo po ako sa aking pagtahak ng bagong daan para makacontribute ng bagong paraan ng pag-tulong at pag-silbi sa aking mga kababayan sa unang distrito ng San Juan.”
The two-time league Most Valuable Player will be running under the ticket of incumbent Mayor Francis Zamora.
Other ballers in his party are Paul Artadi and Don Allado.
