Chog Moral to skip Palarong Pambansa for Gilas Youth duties, says Pampanga vice gov Pineda

Chog Moral won’t see action for Pampanga in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa as he shifts his focus to training with Gilas Pilipinas Youth, according to Pampanga vice governor Delta Pineda.

In a social media post last Friday, Pineda said Moral will prioritize his commitments with the national team pool.

“Hindi po makakapaglaro si Chog Moral with the Pampanga Delta sa Palarong Pambansa 2026…” Pineda wrote.

“Kailangan po siya sa Gilas Pilipinas U18 kung saan nasa Top 12 siya. For the Philippines din po ito.”

Despite Moral’s absence, Pineda said the Pampanga delegation remains determined to perform well in the national tournament.

Moral recently made his debut for Gilas Pilipinas Youth during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup last Thursday.

READ MORE | Chog Moral ready for the grind as he eyes Gilas Pilipinas Youth spot

Meanwhile, Gilas U18 head coach Juno Sauler said the final lineup for the FIBA U18 SEABA Qualifiers has yet to be finalized, although he previously expressed hope that Palarong Pambansa-bound athletes would continue training with the national team pool.

The 2026 Palarong Pambansa opens Sunday in Agusan del Sur.

—JKC, GMA News