POC gives BAP conditional recognition

After citing the Olympic Charter, Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit yesterday reaffirmed the POC’s recognition of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) over the Basketball Association of the Philippines Inc. (BAPI).

But the POC chief immediately warned the BAP that such recognition will remain and continue only for as long as it is "able to function legally and continue to govern the sport (in the Philippines) within the bounds of the Olympic Charter."

For the recognition to stay, the BAP, according to Dayrit, must also assert its governance over Philippine basketball in an "open, participatory and democratic fashion."

The BAP, Dayrit added, must also continue to ensure its control on the use of the best athletes and the formation of the strongest team that the Philippines can muster every time it competes in international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Asian Basketball Championship or even the Olympics.

"Failing (in) such is inconsistent with the Olympic Charter and contrary to national interest," said Dayrit, being caught neck deep into the controversy which came to a boil recently after the BAP said it no longer needs the help of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the formation of the 2006 Asian Games team.

The BAP denied making such decision despite a recent tie-up with the rich Lhuillier clan from Cebu which apparently has agreed to take over the PBA’s role when it comes to funding the Asian Games squad.

The PBA resented the fact that the BAP did not even consult the pro league, now on its 30th year, before sealing a deal with the Lhuilliers. The PBA recently said that it will only step back into the picture if given its previous powers to form, train and fund the Asian Games squad.

"It’s all or nothing," PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado was quoted recently.

Dayrit issued his latest statement days upon his return from Athens, Greece where he attended an International Olympic Committee meeting and at the same time sought the IOC guidance on how to deal with the worsening power struggle between the BAP, led by Tiny Literal, and BAPI, led by Nic Jorge.

Dayrit also called on the two leaders and all other stakeholders to work together and chart a new course for a stronger Philippine basketball.

"We believe that our basketball leaders will and can work this out. The Filipinos deserve no less," Dayrit added.

Aside from the PBA, the other "stakeholders" in local basketball are the Philippine Basketball League (PBL),Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Association of the Philippines (NCAA) and the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA), among others.

The BAP enjoying the continued recognition of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) also weighs heavily in its tug-of-war with the BAPI.

A reliable source, however, said majority of the "stakeholders" have planned or are planning to withdraw their support of the BAP.

If this happens, he said, the BAP will therefore fail in one of the conditions set by the POC for its continued recognition which is the "ability to govern the sport locally" or "assert their governance over the sport."