‘Wag maging pasaway’ -- GAB
PINAALALAHANAN ng Games and Amusements Board (GAB) ang organizers ng mga liga at larong hindi sanctioned ng ahensiya na mananagot sa batas kung babalewalain ang Joint Administrative Order (JAO) na nilagdaan din ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at Department of Health (DOH).
Sa sulat ng GAB na may petsang Enero 27 at pirmado nina Chairman Abraham ‘Baham’ Mitra at Commissioners Mar Masanguid at Atty. Ed Trinidad, binigyan ng babala ang organizer ng Batang Pilipino Basketball League (BPBL), na na nag post sa Facebook ang kanilang inanunsiyong pagbubukas ng liga.
“In line with the PSC-GAB-DOH JAO No. 2020-0001 and in accordance with the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of the Community Quarantine in the Philippines released by the IATF-MEID, non-professional sporting events such as tournaments, competitive events, and athletic meets shall not be permitted. Meanwhile, professional sporting events may be allowed in low-risk areas, provided that such events are compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the DOH. Provided further, that no live audience shall be permitted regardless of the risk severity until an effective vaccine and/or appropriate standard of care for COVID-19 cases is developed,” pahayag ng GAB.
“Considering that an effective vaccine for COVID-19 has not yet been made available, it follows that the implementation of this Joint Administrative Order shall remain in effect, until and unless amended or revoked. Thus, PSC,GAB, and DOH shall continue to adhere to the provisions of this JAO to help the government’s effort to curb the possible transmission of multiple COVID-19 variants, without compromising the welfare of our amateur and professional athletes and GAB-regulated sports associations whose livelihood largely depend on the conduct of professional sports competitions,” ayon sa sulat.
Sa kasalukuyan, naghahanda na rin at humingi ng kani-kanilang permiso sa IATF para sa pagbabalik aksiyon ang mga ligang hindi sanctioned ng GAB tulad ng Beach Volleyball Tour, Philippine Super Liga (PSL) at Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball-League (MPBL).
Bukod sa PBA at Philippine Football League (PFL), nasa pangangasiwa ng GAB ang bubble tournament sa golf, boxing, contact sports, Chooks-to-Go 3x3, gayundin ang magsisimula ng National Basketball League, Women’s National Basketball League at Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Pinangangasiwaan naman ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) ang bubble training ng mga National athletes sa karate, taekwondo at boxing sa Inspired Academy sa Laguna bilang paghahanda sa lalahukang Olympic qualifying.