Suspension remains but POC on right track

SEOUL — Not once but twice, Federation International de Basketball (FIBA) secretary-general Patrick Baumann met with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officials trying to arrive at a solution to lift the country’s suspension at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel here last Tuesday.

Although the suspension has not been revoked, POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. said he now sees the light at the end of the tunnel after a one-hour session early afternoon and a two-hour, 15-minute conference at night.

Cojuangco was joined by POC first vice president Rep. Monico Puentevella, secretary-general Steve Hontiveros and legal counsel Egmidio Tanjuatco in both meetings. Representatives of four major cage stakeholders–the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Philippine Basketball League (PBL), University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)–attended the second meeting.

With Baumann in the first meeting were FIBA secretary-general emeritus Borislav Stankovic and outgoing FIBA president Carl Ching Men-Ky. He was accompanied by incoming FIBA president Bob Elphinston in the second meeting.

"The meetings opened FIBA’s eyes to the reality of basketball in the Philippines," said Cojuangco. "Our goal was to fully explain the facts that led to the expulsion of the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines) by the POC. We also wanted to find out the next steps to take in complying with the conditions of our Memorandum of Understanding with FIBA leading to the lifting of our suspension."

The first meeting cleared the air on a lot of mistaken notions. Stankovic, for instance, thought the POC never consulted FIBA on its moves against the BAP. Cojuangco assured him that Ching was advised "every step of the way."

When Stankovic commented that the Philippines has not qualified even for the Asian championships the last few years, Cojuangco said that’s precisely the reason why the POC is taking charge in getting back on track. The BAP’s failure to recruit the country’s best players from the PBA, PBL, UAAP and NCAA for the national team has led to a series of embarrassing setbacks overseas.

Stankovic explained it is not an easy process for FIBA to expel a country affiliate like the BAP even as Baumann admitted the former National Sports Association (NSA) is a suspended member.

Cojuangco pointed out that the proposed Constitution and By-Laws of Pilipinas Basketball, the new organization to replace the BAP as an NSA, reflect transparency and a national scope and were sent to FIBA headquarters in Geneva last month.

On BAP president Joey Lina’s refusal to join the four major stakeholders in supporting Pilipinas Basketball, Baumann said, "If Lina steps aside, the problem is solved and the suspension is lifted automatically."

Puentevella accused Lina of holding the country hostage.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala said taking an exhausting overnight trip to meet Baumann was worth it.

"We had the opportunity to meet Mr. Baumann up close and relate to him first hand the developments that led to our suspension," said Eala. "Mr. Baumann was thankful that we all got together. I don’t think we can expect an immediate lifting of the suspension. But we have an indication of things to do and after explaining where we’re coming from, FIBA now realizes the flaws in the BAP Constitution and By-Laws."

Eala said Baumann is wary that expelling the BAP to pave the way for Pilipinas Basketball’s recognition may set a precedent that could frighten other country affiliates. But he assured Baumann the Philippine problem is unique and its solution will be applicable only to the specific case.

Cojuangco said to speed up the compliance process, the stakeholders behind Pilipinas Basketball must begin to recruit more active leagues, associations and organizations to expand the membership base. He called on the Philippine Sports Commission to cut ties with the BAP completely and close down its office in the government sports complex.

Eala told Baumann for the BAP to amend its Constitution and By-Laws, 51 members must agree and it’s not likely they will.

A sign of support was FIBA’s extension of the deadline for the POC to form a new federation. Tanjuatco said it meant FIBA was not shutting the door on Pilipinas Basketball.

Baumann urged Eala to "stay the course" as he asked the PBA to be patient in participating in the process of accrediting Pilipinas Basketball.

PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad said once a National Federation (NF) like the BAP loses control of its sport and legitimate constituency, it should automatically lose recognition from the ISF (International Sports Federation). But he understood it will be a long and tedious process because ISFs are careful in dealing with NFs.

PBA chairman Ely Capacio said Pilipinas Basketball must firm up its organizational structure to involve a broad base of stakeholders. PBA vice chairman Ricky Vargas said the meetings were encouraging and gave the stakeholders the confidence to move forward.

Eala appealed to Baumann to take a stand on the BAP issue and not turn a blind eye to the problem because after all, "we are basketball" is FIBA’s slogan. "We’re doing this for the love of the game, not for any vested interest," said Eala. "FIBA should appreciate that this isn’t just a Philippine problem but also a FIBA problem."

Tanjuatco said the POC’s intention is to resurrect Philippine basketball through stakeholders who reach out to 80 percent of the population.