The Games and Amusements Board yesterday suspended the Mindanao leg of the Vismin Cup and put the league for re-evaluation.
This was the text message of GAB Chairman Baham Mitra to the group of sports scribes as they are in the process of investigation and seriously looking into the allegations of wrongdoing by the league. “The board would like to further observe the ongoing Visayas leg before giving a go signal for the other,” Mitra said.
“In the meantime, GAB is reviewing the official reports of its field officers in the bubble and that of the league to determine the administrative liability of the licensees as well as the possibility of proceeding with criminal charges if warranted by the circumstances,” he added.
Mitra stressed that its mandate is to ensure the integrity of professional sports and the welfare of players.
Earlier, GAB reminded the players that a license to practice a profession is not a right, but a concession and a privilege granted by the government. “Now, if they fail to abide by the rules, the government has the right to step in to impose necessary sanctions or revoke such a privilege. Officials, coaches, and players should act as professionals or lose their licenses. Shape up or ship out,” Mitra said in a message.
“We always believe in self-regulation but GAB is always ready to step in anytime especially when integrity is at stake. This needs decisive action as it affects the whole league and whole basketball community,” the chairman reiterated.
It was recalled that ARQ Builders-Lapu Lapu City and Siquijor Mystics were involved in an alleged game-fixing of the ongoing 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup which played last week.