Pangilinan bowing out of SBP's top post in January

Sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan on Thursday announced that he is stepping down as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president by January next year.

 

Pangilinan's term actually expired last February, but he held over the position as the federation was still in the middle of the country's hosting bid for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

 

With the FIBA Asia Championship also over, an emergency board meeting was held to discuss the special election of new officials.

 

The 69-year-old businessman, however, assured the SBP of his commitment to give the same support despite bowing out as the federation chief.

 

"We stand by that, na hindi niya papabayan ang SBP at basketball. Happy na kami dun," said executive director Sonny Barrios.

 

Pangilinan became involved in Philippine basketball in 2007 and was re-elected in 2012, establishing the Gilas Pilipinas program for the men's national team.

An avid basketball fan, the business mogul bankrolls Gilas as well as PBA teams Talk 'N Text, Meralco, and NLEX.

 

Barrios said there were earlier proposals to extend his tenure by amending the SBP constitution, but Pangilinan put his foot down.

 

"Malaking bagay sa kanya 'yung maging definite about term limit. Feeling niya mawawala siya ng credibility pag iniba niya 'yan," he said.

 

Barrios also said some members proposed to name him as "Chairman Emeritus" - an honorary title which holds no power or authority - but he said that Pangilinan is leaving it up to the new board after the elections in January. —JST, GMA News