Thursday, April 03, 2008 Pro league airs support for BAP-SBP
MANILA—In a display of commitment and willingness to serve the Philippines, the Board of Governors of the Philippine Basketball Association unanimously agreed to immediately form a committee that will sit down with officials of the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to discuss a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Tony Chua, the incumbent chairman of the pro league, said a new agreement between the two associations should be in place as soon as possible to enable future national teams to prepare well and avoid any hitch that may spoil the country’s future campaigns.
Chua said the issue of a new accord has been discussed in the last PBA Board meeting.
“I think it’s important for both of us (PBA and BAP-SBP) to discuss crafting a new MOA if only to maintain a smooth working relationship and avoid problem in as far as forming the national team is concerned,” Chua said.
He cited the case of PBA Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realty, which missed an opportunity to represent the country in the Champions Cup due to a conflict in schedule.
The Champions Cup is set on May 8 to 16 in Kuwait and runs conflict with the PBA Fiesta Cup, which started last March 30.
“It would have been an honor for the league to have one of its members represent the country in the Champions Cup but the schedule of PBA Fiesta Conference got in the way,” Chua said.
He said they will discuss the selection of the members of the committee as soon as PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios arrives from the United States.
At the same time Chua maintained that the PBA Board of Governors fully support the plans and programs of the BAP-SBP headed by its president Manny V. Pangilinan. (PBA Media Bureau)
