Mitra’s advice to next GAB chief: Be fair

MANILA, Philippines — Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra only has one bit of advice to whoever succeeds him at the helm of the government agency regulating professional sports in the country.

“No bias,” said Mitra during yesterday’s online PSA Forum.

Mitra, a three-term congressman and governor of Palawan before being appointed by President Duterte as GAB chairman in 2016, said he followed this very simple formula during his term, and it worked.

“Kailangan, no bias ka. Always be fair. Remember that you are the GAB chairman of the whole Philippines and not for a certain gym or a certain province,” said the 52-year-old official.

The term of GAB chairman is co-terminus with that of the President, which ends on June 30, meaning a new chairman and two commissioners will have to be named soon.

“I’m okay. I’m ready to go. I’m excited to go back to private life,” Mitra added during the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

Mitra, who worked very hard to uplift and preserve the welfare of those in professional sports during his term, said he has no clue on the incoming GAB chairman.