MVP seeks new mandate in SBP polls

Facing a threat of a TRO (temporary restraining order) sought by a rival group, the BAP-SBP will proceed with its national congress and election of officers today with telecom mogul Manny V. Pangilinan expected to be re-elected as president at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.

At presstime, Pangilinan’s legal team was contesting the bid for a TRO by the BAP faction with the Branch 46 of the Manila Regional Trial Court against the holding of the national congress and elections.

BAP (Basketball Association of the Phils.) officials Christian Tan and Atty. Bonifacio Alentajan filed the injunction and application for a TRO, seeking a court order in particular against Pangilinan, SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas and corporate secretary Atty. Marivic Anonuevo.

“We’ll do our best to solve this legal problem. Otherwise, we’ll talk about our options. Hopefully, the judge sees it in an objective way,” said Vargas.

“It’s very disappointing. What personality do they (BAP officials) have? Are they saying they’re the recognized body when in fact the International Basketball Federation has spoken, recognizing the SBP under the leadership of Mr. Pangilinan as the national federation,” said Vargas.

He also stressed that the BAP has no right to “stop this exercise” although he admitted the threat of a TRO has become “a nuisance.”

“BAP applying for a TRO is a disappointment to say the least, an act of desperation of an organization no longer recognized by the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) and the FIBA and out to destroy basketball. There is no place for this in sports,” said Vargas.

Incoming BAP-SBP executive director Noli Eala said since the SBP has adopted its constitution and by-laws, “it has superceded” all the agreements entered into by the BAP and the SBP in the past, including the Bangkok Agreement and the Tokyo Communique the BAP group had used as the basis in holding elections last week at the Century Park Sheraton.

In holding its own elections, the BAP group had claimed majority of its members were disenfranchised by the SBP membership committee headed by former PBA chairman Ely Capacio. Only 19 sectoral representatives were given the green light by Capacio’s committee to join today’s elections.

Vargas, denying the BAP’s claim, said the 19 sectoral representatives approved by Capacio’s committee met the standards set by the SBP. He added the BAP-SBP is continually reaching out to other sectors and helping them “in the accreditation process so they can be admitted as SBP members.”

Others expected to be voted into office with Pangilinan are Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno as board chairman, Vargas vice chairman, Anonuevo secretary and Dr. Jay Adalem treasurer.

Nominated to the board are Pangilinan, Vargas, Tony Chua and Sonny Barrios from the pro sector, Pedro Cecilio, Mikee Romero and Pedro Alfaro from the commercial sector, Nic Jorge and Vivian Manila from special sector, Adalem, Junjun Capistrano, Ding Lozano, Jerry Sabal and Atty. Baldomero Estenso from school leagues and Moreno, Eala, Rey Gamboa, Tac Padilla, Danny Soria, James Malaya, Fr. Paul de Vera, Raul Alcoseba, Robert Uy, Bernie Atienza and Dr. Ferdinand Padilla from the geographical sectors.

Patrick Gregorio, BAP-SBP outgoing executive director, said those which didn’t meet the criteria were relegated as associate members. Leaders of these groups were the ones who held a separate convention and elections last June 4.

The POC leadership has confirmed it is coming in full force to show its support to  the Pangilinan group.

Also confirming their attendance are affiliate members or corporate backers including San Miguel Corp., PLDT, Tao Corp., Nike, Accel, Molten and Discovery Suites.

In their complaint, Tan and Alentajan said a national congress was already held last June 4, adding: “The convening of yet another national congress will only duplicate what had already been accomplished. This will create another serious problem in Philippine Basketball as it shall mislead the general public and waste the time, effort, and means of all supporters of the game of basketball.”