Ricky Vargas has been elected President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, taking over from Al Panlilio, who will remain on the Board as a FIBA Central Board Member.
Vargas assumes the top leadership role as the federation moves forward with a renewed focus on inclusivity, development, and unity across Philippine basketball.
The election followed the ratification of the SBP’s updated By-Laws during the National Congress on May 9, 2025, and their approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Under the revised governance structure, the Board now has 17 seats, with 13 filled through sectoral elections among the federation’s 34 Active Members.
This ensures broad representation from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, youth, schools, women’s, and commercial and professional sectors.
Notable elected trustees include Manuel V. Pangilinan, Alfrancis Chua, Robert Uy, Jose Franco Soberano, and Maria Vivian Manila.
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The remaining four seats were completed through appointments, including co-opted members Jacob Ang and Chaye Cabal-Revilla, as well as Ryan Reyes and interim 3×3 representative Peachy Cheng Medina.
Ten of the 17 trustees are serving on the Board for the first time, highlighting SBP’s commitment to blending experience with fresh perspectives.
Immediately after the elections, the new Board chose its officers: Pangilinan as Chairman, Chaye Cabal-Revilla as Vice Chair, Vargas as President, Robert Uy as Vice President, Marievic R. Anonuevo as Corporate Secretary, Lennie G. Nocum as Treasurer, and Erika Dy as Executive Director.
Vargas expressed optimism about the federation’s direction under the new leadership.
“This SBP Board is a healthy mix of wisdom-filled veterans and passionate young leaders who share a common purpose — to build a stronger, more unified future for Philippine basketball. We’re setting the foundation for the next generation of sports leaders to continue the growth and excellence that Filipino basketball is known for,” he said.
Pangilinan underscored the Board’s inclusive approach.
“This SBP Board is a reflection of how far Philippine basketball has come — more inclusive, more representative, and more forward-looking. For the first time, we have three female trustees on the Board, even with fewer seats overall, ensuring that the voice of women in basketball continues to grow stronger. The addition of player and 3×3 representatives further broadens our perspective,” he said.
“And with promising young leaders like Jacob Ang and Franco Soberano, we’re making sure that basketball development in the country never stops — it only grows deeper and more united.”
