Sporting Chance

A deluge of calls flooded my phone line yesterday as readers reacted to Philip Juico's warning of an impending PR disaster for Mobiline if Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Rufus Rodriguez reaffirms his decision to deport Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Asi Taulava on March 29.

An irate fan lashed out at Juico for "posturing" and "making himself available" to take over as Mobiline team manager. "It leaves a bad taste in the mouth," said the caller. "He's creating a problem that isn't there. Is it because he wants to be the solution?"

A female caller appealed to Rodriguez to find it in his heart to grant Taulava the coveted Certificate of Recognition (CR), easily the hottest commodity in town. She argued that the BI cannot deport Taulava on the basis of doubt -- a point I raised in a previous column.

Rodriguez has more than once said he can't be sure if Taulava is telling the truth. But the fact is Taulava has submitted documents to prove his Filipino roots and even presented his mother Pauline Hernandez Mateaki before Rodriguez for cross-examination.

The BI has no proof that Taulava's mother isn't Filipina. And it has no proof that Taulava's documents aren't authentic. However, there appears to be some doubt -- on the BI's part -- that Taulava's mother is Filipina and that his documents are authentic. But can doubt be the basis of a judgment involving a human being's life? By ordering Taulava's deportation, the BI would in effect presume his guilt, not innocence, on the basis of doubt -- which isn't right.

Taulava is entitled to a fair judgment. That's his human right. He's stood by his story from the start. Why can't the BI believe him? If Taulava's a fake, he would've hightailed it long ago - like Rob Parker and Al Segova. But he's still here, fighting for the truth.

I remember in a recent conversation, Taulava relating how as a boy, he was ostracized - discriminated against - for being a "half-breed" in Tonga. That's why his father Paul brought his entire family, including his Filipina wife, to the US - to escape the prejudice.

Now, Taulava is subjected to the same discrimination - in his mother's homeland.

"Please, Mr. Rodriguez, have a heart," said a third caller who claimed he isn't a Mobiline fan but understands Taulava's plight. "Kung doubt lang ang paguusapan, marami d'yan ibang Fil-Am na more doubtful. Bakit dinidiin nila si Taulava? Ano ba'ng ginawa niya?"

The groundswell of sympathy for Taulava is incredible. I haven't received a single call supporting his deportation.

I realize raising Taulava's attributes is beside the point. But it still must be said that he's been an excellent role model since his arrival here two years ago. He's not a troublemaker. He enjoys being with fans. He's shed off weight this season and he's playing to his full potential. Examine his stats in the All-Filipino Cup and you'll know what I mean - Taulava's averaging double-double figures in scoring and rebounding. He's engaged to a Filipina, Ana May Corveau, and he plans to settle down here for good. He's willing to play for the national team. What more can anyone ask from a Fil-foreigner?

Instead of making Taulava out to be a criminal, the BI can foist him as a model Fil-foreigner.

In less than a week, the BI is supposed to rule on Taulava's case. He's been subjected to unimaginable pressure. He's never shirked from attending BI hearings. When he's summoned, he comes - Taulava has nothing to hide. He's shown good faith.

Surely, Rodriguez can't shut the door on someone who's crying out to be heard. Taulava's no criminal, he's no impostor, he's no liar. He just wants to be believed.