Pangilinan agrees to head Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas

Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan has agreed to act as president and chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Inc. (SBP), which could pave the way for the lifting of the Philippines' suspension from all tournaments sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA, or the International Basketball Federation). According to a press statement released Wednesday afternoon, Pangilinan agreed to head the SBP as long as he will be supported by leaders of the Pilipinas Basketball (PB) and Basketball Association of the Philippines (SBP). "I'm prepared to assume the position of chairman and president of Samahang Basketbol in a concurrent capacity provided I have the full support of both Pilipinas Basketball and the Basketball Association of the Philippines in forming the management team," Pangilinan said. The creation of a single association merging the officials of the PB and BAP is a prerequisite laid down by the FIBA in order to lift its suspension on the Philippines. FIBA Secretary-General Patick Baumann suspended the Philippines in July 2005 due to a misunderstanding between the BAP and the Philippine Olympic Committee over the formation of a new national team. PB president Bernie Atienza and BAP president Joey Lina, in their statements to the media, have stated their support for Pangilinan. Pangilinan was invited by Atienza and Lina to the three-man panel which would work for the creation of the SBP constitution and by-laws. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr., meanwhile, was elated by the development. Cojuangco believes that Pangilinan will provide leadership to a new basketball organization representing all sectors of the sport in the country. - GMANews.TV