BAP filing TRO vs Unity Congress?

PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas said he received information from a reliable source that the BAP would seek a temporary restraining order to stop the holding of the Unity Congress Monday at Dusit Hotel.

"That is legal but if true, that move will only tear us further apart. It’s not gonna unite us because that’s very divisive," said Vargas.

"I was told by an informed source that the BAP will get the TRO Friday or Monday morning. Probably, they’re doing it because they can no longer stop a large number of BAP members joining the Unity Congress," Vargas added.

Newly elected BAP president Go Teng Kok has said they’re not attending the congress which is supposedly the culmination of efforts being done to unify Philippine basketball.

The special three-man panel, created to lead the unification effort in accordance with the joint communiqué reached in Tokyo last year, is inviting all stakeholders in Philippine basketball to attend the congress.

The panel has also invited representatives from the International Basketball Association and the Philippine Olympic Committee to witness the event.

"We’re very transparent. I hope they (BAP officials) would be enlightened after all they’re all members of the board of trustees. Walang tinatanggal," said Vargas.

"If they get a TRO, it’s disheartening. It’s contrary to what they’re saying that they’re ready to work with us," Vargas added.

Vargas said a letter received by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas corporate secretary Marivic Anonuevo from BAP legal counsel Boni Alentajan Tuesday bolstered hints of BAP’s impending move. The letter apparently questions the validity of the congress.

The PBA chair, who is nominated SBP vice chair, said they would honor the TRO if the BAP is able to get one.

"We would have no recourse but to honor it but we would challenge it," said Vargas.

"We have consulted our legal counsel about it. He said there are two ways to deal with it. First, try to catch it but it’s very impractical kasi mahirap malaman kung saan sila kukuha ng TRO. Second, we would just question its technicality. But we have to respect the court," Vargas added.

Vargas stressed they would pursue the congress and the lifting of the country’s suspension in international play.

"We’ll all be there. Kung merong TRO, nandoon pa rin kami, having our lunch," said Vargas.