PBA allows teams to hold practices in Metro Manila as NCR Plus eases to GCQ

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is now allowing teams to hold practices in Metro Manila as the National Capital Region Plus shifted to a general community quarantine with ‘heightened restrictions’ starting on May 15.

League commissioner Willie Marcial bared to GMA News Online that clubs who wish to conduct training and scrimmages in the capital region will be authorized as long as they secure permits from their respective local government units (LGU).

The PBA official added that teams should still complete all the protocols including two swab tests prior to the start of their training.

“They should send a letter to their LGU and the LGU should grant them permits first before they could start practicing,” Marcial said.

“Also, they should still complete all the protocols. After all these, they can start with their training.”

PBA had earlier announced that it is issuing the green light for ball clubs to practice in Batangas, specifically at the Batangas City Coliseum, Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, while some teams are looking to have theirs in Ilocos Norte.

However, with the downgrade to GCQ, San Miguel Beer, Magnolia and Phoenix are looking to stay put in Manila as they prepare for the Season 46 in June.

Beermen head coach Leo Austria said that it would be better to hold the training in their usual venue at the Acropolis Gym in Mandaluyong since it will lessen the travel time for the players and coaches and could therefore minimize the chances of contracting the virus.

“The players, if they really have the choice, would want to stay here in Manila for the practices and good thing that the government has eased the quarantine measures,” the decorated Austria said in a phone conversation.

“But whatever happens, whatever the league and the management have decided, we will just follow.”

Magnolia’s Chito Victolero also stressed that if there’s an option to remain in Manila or fringe provinces which are also under GCQ, they will grab the opportunity. He added, though, that they’re still open to the Batangas option.

“Our option is to really stay here once we return to GCQ. And if we were able to secure the permit from our LGU, then we’ll really stay here.”

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Fuel Masters are still securing permits from the LGU but until then, they will still consider going to Batangas, which is placed under GCQ.

“We are still considering Batangas until we get our clearance from Pasig,” said head coach Topex Robinson.

The PBA is looking to open the virus-hit season in mid-June with hopes of featuring at least two conferences. However, Marcial said that tuneup games between squads are not yet allowed. —JMB, GMA News