PBA governors go face-to-face to curb crisis

MEMBERS of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors meet on Wednesday to tackle pressing issues bordering from a possible return to training and other activities of the 12 teams to the more onerous concern of salvaging the leagues 45th season that now looms to being reduced to only one conference from the traditional three tournaments.

And PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT Katropa is intent on encouraging the governors to a more intense face-to-face meeting at the league’s headquarters in Libis, Quezon City, instead of tackling online important league issues.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown imposed in March resulted to the stoppage of the Philippine Cup, as well as all other events and competitions worldwide.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and the board will draft proposals for what he called as “baby steps” leading to possible return to training and other activities. But he said they would need the approval of govermment, particularly the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“All these we’ll do with the approval from the government. Hindi kami gagalaw without their approval [We won’t move without their approval],” Marcial said.

With the implementation of the general community quarantine on Monday, certain sports—particularly outdoor and individual sports—are now allowed although physical distancing and wearing of face masks stay.

For the PBA, one of the primary goals is to save the season by holding at least one conference the board targets to start at the latest in October. The board has earlier said it would decide in August.

“Things will be easier to decide on if a vaccine for Covid-19 comes up,” Marcial said. “The government, and all of us, are hoping for it,”marcial said.