FIBA chief says BAP lone RP cage body

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) broke its silence yesterday, slamming the door on the group led by Nic Jorge and at the same time throwing its full support behind the other one led by Quintellano "Tiny" Literal.

Jorge’s group, the Basketball Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI), and Literal’s group, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), are locked up in a bitter dispute over which is the rightful basketball body in the country.

The FIBA, headed by Carl Ching Menky of Hong Kong, declaring its support behind the BAP is a big blow to the opposing group. Aside from the FIBA, the BAP also enjoys the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

"We cannot recognize any other basketball organization in the Philippines than the BAP. As far as the FIBA is concerned, it is the only basketball body in your country," Menky told Literal over the phone, adding that everything they tackled will be put in writing in the next few days.

Menky, who also talked to BAP vice president Christian Tan and secretary-general Graham Lim, said he hasn’t heard from Jorge since the recent controversy broke out. He added that it will only honor any communication from BAPI if it is with Literal’s consent or signature.

The BAPI is leaning on a recent court decision declaring it as the rightful basketball body in the Philippines. Despite the court order, the BAPI, however, failed to convince the PSC to order Literal and company to vacate the BAP office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Jorge’s group is now planning to take over the POC-PSC Media Center near the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Mediamen covering the beat vacated the media center, which is up for renovation, more than four months ago and are now occupying a smaller office near the badminton hall.

"They cannot do that because only the duly-recognized national sports association (by the POC) can hold office here," said PSC executive director Ed Mateo.