Malacañang orders status quo in PBL

Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo yesterday ordered the Games and Amusements Board to maintain the amateur status of the Philippine Basketball League to enable players of the UAAP and NCAA to suit for their respective teams in the season-ending tournament which starts Nov. 3.

Acting on the recommendations by senior deputy executive secretary Waldo Flores and deputy executive secretary for legal affairs Joe Tale, Romulo signed the urgent motion to maintain the PBL’s amateur status until such time a decision is made on the case.

The Palace directive stressed that it found merit in the PBL’s motion, filed by PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad last Monday, and ordered parties (UAAP and NCAA) to observe the status quo pending a review of the GAB ruling.

"We are very grateful to Malacañang for giving the PBL a new lease of life. We are happy that there are still people who believe in the PBL’s thrust of developing young cagers," said Trinidad.

"This is a welcome development to everybody especially the collegiate players whose hands are tied by the GAB ruling wrongly declaring the PBL as a professional league," he added.

A UAAP source, requesting anonymity, on the other hand, told The STAR that they have yet to receive the Palace directive and refused to comment on the issue until such time that the board receives the order. NCAA likewise refused to issue a reaction.

Both the UAAP and NCAA leagues, where the PBL’s main draws come from, passed separate board resolutions banning their cagers from playing in the league. At the same time, Adamson coach Luigi Trillo refuted Trinidad’s statements in Tuesday’s weekly PSA Forum that it was their fault that cager Melvin Mamaclay was evicted from his quarters in Adamson.

"It’s not our fault that we let Mac (Mamaclay) go. We are just playing by the rules. We want him back, but if he does not want to, its up to him," said Trillo. "All we want is for him to talk to us."

Trillo also chided Trinidad for saying that Adamson has violated Mamaclay’s rights to choose, earn extra living and education.

"I’m for the PBL but (Chino) Trinidad should watch what he says. He should check both sides first before saying things against us," said Trillo. "We want our players to succeed but rules are rules."