Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial once again met with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos at the agency’s headquarters in Makati City on Sunday.
This time around Marcial sought advice from Abalos regarding the start of the league’s 46th season which, according to multiple sources, is targeted on the weekend of July 17-18.
Currently, the supplemental Joint Administrative Order has allowed pro teams in contact sports to hold sports bubble trainings even in general community quarantine areas.
“We have to ensure the safety of everyone, not only the players but the general viewing public. We cannot compromise the health and well-being of all,” said Abalos.
The PBA’s hiatus during the pandemic has affected the livelihood of individuals and their families employed by the sports organization, its member teams, as well as those directly or indirectly involved in the league’s operations.
The league has also stated numerous times that holding a bubble tournament is its last resort as it has proven to be too costly a year ago.
Currently, the PBA is sticking to its plan of holding a closed-circuit format for the Philippine Cup in either Ynares venues in Pasig or Antipolo.
Marcial has pledged strict compliance to the government’s minimum health standards and to keep the players, officials, and all those involved in the conduct of games safe once given the green light to resume play in NCR-plus.
