Lina is key to lifting of suspension

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr. said yesterday the country’s suspension will be immediately lifted by the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) once Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) president Joey Lina agrees to join the four major cage stakeholders in the newly-formed umbrella organization Pilipinas Basketball.

FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann told Cojuangco during two meetings in Seoul last Tuesday the suspension will end if Lina affixes his signature on the documents of Pilipinas Basketball’s Constitution and By-Laws endorsed by the POC in compliance with the conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with FIBA in Geneva last September.

Lina has refused to support Pilipinas Basketball because it would mean betraying the BAP whose members, he claimed, are in the thousands all over the country. The BAP lost its National Sports Association (NSA) status when it was expelled by the POC General Assembly last year. The expulsion led to the BAP’s suspension as a country affiliate by FIBA, which requires a member association to be recognized as an NSA by its National Olympic Committee. Because of the BAP’s suspension, the country is unable to participate in FIBA-sanctioned competitions.

"In Mr. Baumann’s own words, once Joey signs up, the suspension is lifted and the problem is over," said Cojuangco. "All he has to do is to sign the papers of the Constitution and By-Laws." His signature will allow the Philippines to play again in the Asian championships, the Southeast Asian Games, the World Championships and the Olympics.

Cojuangco said Lina should not be hindered by the apprehension of being a traitor to his organization but encouraged by the prospect that he could be a hero to the country and millions of basketball-loving Filipinos.

POC first vice president Rep. Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City said the issue is no longer whether the BAP is wrong or right in insisting on its authority as a FIBA country affiliate even as a suspended member.

"The issue is doing what is best for the country, setting aside all other interests," said Puentevella. "It’s time to move on for the sake of our country. Four major stakeholders are moving forward. We’re all waiting for the BAP to join in so we can end this national embarrassment of our suspension once and for all."

Puentevella said the country has suffered enough by not being able to host the basketball event in the last Southeast Asian Games and the prolonged suspension will cause only more disappointment among Filipino fans.

"Why should Joey be loyal to an organization that has lost its legitimacy and has nothing to speak of?" continued Puentevella. "If we are looking for the fastest way to end our suspension, Mr. Baumann has suggested it. Now, it’s up to Joey to accept the challenge and prove his patriotism. That’s all it will take to lift the suspension–Joey’s signature."

Puentevella said he will consult Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on why the BAP continues to occupy office space at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex when it has lost its NSA status.

Cojuangco said it has been over a year since Lina promised to institute reforms and amendments in the BAP Constitution and By-Laws which provide for perpetuity in power.

"Joey asked for time to exercise his leadership but while he was talking to the major stakeholders about instituting electoral reforms, the BAP appointed a new chairman and other new officials," said Cojuangco.

"An organization can’t be holding elections every two months or appointing new officers just as often. The BAP claims to be represented by about 300,000 members but who and where are they? It’s important that leagues, not just associations, are part of the umbrella organization and they should be active the last three years."

POC legal counsel Egmidio Tanjuatco said contrary to some reports, FIBA did not reject Pilipinas Basketball’s Constitution and By-Laws during last Tuesday’s meetings.

"We were encouraged by the fact that FIBA indefinitely extended the March 31 deadline to get Pilipinas Basketball on track for accreditation by FIBA," said Tanjuatco. "That surely was not a sign of rejection. Our meetings in Seoul were just an opening. We never expected an immediate decision. We made a lot of headway in this trip because firstly, we got the 100 percent support of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) through Mr. (Jacques) Rogge, the president, and secondly, Mr. Baumann was able to meet the major stakeholders and learn where they’re coming from. We’ve strengthened our foundations."

Baumann repeatedly told Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala in the second meeting to "stay the course," indicating his recognition of the pro league as a key factor in finding a permanent solution to the problem.

Eala previously said the PBA would no longer lend players to the national team if Pilipinas Basketball, or the NSA approved by the POC, is not in charge of the program. The statement meant the PBA has withdrawn its commitment to a Memorandum of Agreement to support national teams sanctioned by the BAP.