PBA commissioner Willie Marcial remains hopeful PBA Season 45 can be salvaged, even if just for one conference.
There have been developments around the world, including the renewed sports activities in Taiwan and South Korea and similar plans of resumption of play in the US and in Europe.
“A handful of NBA teams are opening practice facilities, and it could well lead to the resumption of the NBA season. Major League Baseball is looking at reopening shop in July. Football in Europe is about to resume. All these make me hopeful we can resume our Season Forty-Five,” said Marcial.
The PBA honcho accepted the government’s decision on Tuesday to extend the restrictions in many parts of the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic, agreeing it’s the right thing to do.
Marcial hopes, though, that these government measures could flatten the curve soon, and subsequently allow the resumption of sports activities, including PBA play.
“The board decision is to wait until August. Medyo matagal pa ‘yon. Hopefully, by that time, medyo okay na, and allowed na ang gathering for a sports event, like the PBA,” he said.
On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the proposal to place Metro Manila, Laguna province, and Cebu City under a modified enhanced community quarantine until May 31.
Under the modified lockdown, communities are still severely restricted, with most only allowed to leave their homes for the provision of food and other basic necessities and in cases of emergency.
Wearing a face mask is a must, and social distancing is still implemented.
“I’m kind of expected that kasi marami pa rin cases of infection. I’m also endorsing wearing facemask and social distancing. It’s the new normal or new life for us until there’s a vaccine.”
