SBP hopes FIBA decision will end row with BAP

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) hailed the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) decision of reaffirming them as the recognized and sole governing body for the sport in the country. The decision also allowed the SBP to continue its programs temporarily stalled following its latest round of squabble with the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP). “I think it’s a significant step forward for Philippine basketball," said SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan during a press conference held at his PLDT office in Makati Friday afternoon. “Let’s put all these behind us," he stressed. “I know it’s easier said than done. It might not work out as we want it to be, bus as for the SBP, that’s what we want to do." Pangilinan was joined in the presidential table by SBP chairman Gov. Oscar Moreno, vice-chairman Rickie Vargas, executive secretary Noli Eala, legal counsel Marivic Anonuevo-Ramos, Bacolod Rep. and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Monico Puentevella, and UAAP president Anton Montinola. Through secretary general Patrick Baumann, FIBA formed a three-man panel headed by FIBA honorary secretary-general Borislav Stankovic to look into the series of complaints filed by the BAP regarding the non-compliance of the so-called Bangkok Agreement. After initially announcing it won’t attend the July 20 to 22 meeting, the SBP eventually relented and met with FIBA officials. Ironically, it was the Prospero Pichay-led BAP who was a no-show in Geneva, claiming they failed to get their visas on time. “At the outset, we were upset with what FIBA has done. So when we went there, we made it known to them that our love for basketball and our desire not to get suspended again were the reasons why we are there," said SBP chairman Moreno, who was a member of the SBP delegation along with Vargas, Eala, Anonuevo-Ramos and Puentevella. Under the FIBA decision, the body will continue to monitor whether Philippine basketball stakeholders are adequately and appropriately represented within the SBP and the terms of the Bangkok Agreement are fully respected. Likewise, SBP is required to present to the FIBA Central Board no later than November 30 a written progress report. Eala said he believes the decision is `firm and final.’ “This is not a conditional decision, but are just items that they want to continue and monitor," he added. Vargas informed the media that the SBP always submits a progress report to FIBA. “So we requested them while we’re there to read the progress report we’ve been submitting to them. Since if they’ve been reading it, we won’t be in Geneva after all," said the SBP vice-chairman. The SBP also didn’t discount the possibility of reaching out and working with BAP. For that to happen however, Vargas said BAP should first recognize SBP’s authority. “We’ll continue to reach out to them (BAP), but they will be at peace if they stop on insisting things that they want." – GMANews.TV