Al Mendoza
All Write

THAT was an MVP (Most Valuable Player) move there from Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), the telecom tycoon.

“If only to avert another suspension for the Philippines, I’m willing to step down as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP),” said MVP.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

But that could be martyrdom in reverse.

MVP was reacting to the summons for him to appear before the World Basketball Federation (Fiba) in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 20-22.

The Fiba said it wants to conduct an inquiry into alleged reports that, among other things, MVP’s SBP was not acting in accordance with a Fiba-instigated agreement in Bangkok to settle the long-running leadership dispute between SBP and the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).

In that agreement, the Fiba recognized the MVP-headed SBP as the sole basketball body in the Philippines.

As a result, RP’s suspension from international play has been lifted and the country regained the SEA Games cage crown in 2007.

The pact also allowed the BAP to co-exist with the SBP, if not merge itself with the SBP if the situation so warrants.

But as things seem to indicate months later, the BAP seemed to be an outsider and the SBP had been doing it all by itself. Or at least that was what the Fiba. learned from its agents in the Philippines.

Piqued, MVP accused the Fiba of “not believing in its own federation (SBP) in the Philippines.”

He threatened to boycott the July 20-22 meeting in Geneva, a move that did not sit well with Frank Elizalde, the country’s permanent representative to the International Olympic Committee.

I go with Elizalde.

What’s wrong with MVP going to Geneva to clear matters with the Fiba?

If MVP and his SBP subalterns are doing nothing wrong, then, by all means, MVP should attend the Fiba meeting.

Boycotting it would be the height of disrespect for the mother association (Fiba).

Or, if MVP doesn’t show up, he could be accused of hiding something from the Fiba.

A no-show MVP would crush all the positive, progressive, efforts being done all this time
by the SBP since the lifting of the suspension.

From an MVP move to an un-MVP move?

Say it ain’t so, MVP.

(alsol47@yahoo.com)