PBA Board to meet next week to decide on plans for halted conference

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors is expected to meet next week to decide on the fate of the halted Governors' Cup.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, in a virtual forum on Tuesday with the Philippine Sportswriters Association, said the crucial board meeting will also tackle the possible options for the resumption of the import-laden conference.

"I talked to [Games and Amusements Board] Chairman [Baham] Mitra last Sunday, he said they have endorsed a letter to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) to allow us to play in what they call a Type C bubble setup (home-venue-home)," Marcial said in Filipino.

"I also talked to PBA Chairman [Ricky] Vargas, we will call for a board meeting next week to talk about what we will do and the direction of the PBA," said the league commissioner. "From there, we will know the fate of the PBA."

Marcial said the Board may also talk about policies for scrimmages and options on whether they set up a bubble venue or not.

Should the league resume, Marcial said the PBA is also eyeing more health protocols, and possibly higher fines for protocol violators.

The commissioner also confirmed that there have been positive COVID-19 cases in the teams, in the Commissioner's Office, and among referees, but did not specify the details about it.

The league was put to a halt in early January as the number of COVID-19 cases rose in the country.

Metro Manila was also put under Alert Level 3 since January 3, meaning contact sports are prohibited. Alert Level 3 will be implemented in Metro Manila until January 31.

Prior to the suspension of games, the league allowed fans to watch live in the venue at 50% capacity.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News