SBP ‘reaches out’ to groups affiliated with BAP

After getting the reaffirmation from the special commission formed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is reaching out to people from the other group. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the SBP will accept various personalities from the discredited Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP). Rather, they are open to associations willing to join the SBP.

According to SBP vice-chairman Ricky Vargas, the idea of BAP chairman and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte joining the SBP in the same capacity replacing Misamis Orriental Gov. Oscar Moreno was broached by the FIBA commission during the three-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. However, Vargas said that the SBP is not obligated by the FIBA to do that as accepting a new personality in the 25-man SBP board would mean modifying the association’s constitution and by-laws. Villafuerte is not a member of the SBP board. “Let me clarify that by saying reaching out, it means reaching out to (new) membership. We have to follow the procedure and we explained that to the commission," Vargas said. While SBP president Manny Pangilinan mentioned that he is willing to talk to BAP chief Prospero Pichay, Vargas added that the association should first accept that the FIBA has recognized the SBP as its legitimate member. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride, the investigation process. We’ll continue to reach out (to BAP), but they will be at peace if they stop on insisting things that they want," Vargas said. Nevertheless, the commission’s decision, which reaffirmed the earlier pronouncement of the powerful FIBA Central Board in 2007 when it gave recognition to the SBP, brings hope to Pangilinan’s group. “It’s a job well done. It’s time to move forward, let's put all these behind us," Pangilinan said. “But I know it is easier said than done, it might not work out as we want it. But as for the SBP, that’s what we want to do." “Sino ba ang nanalo dito? I think lahat tayo panalo dito," Vargas said. “The Powerade team can go to Tianjin (for the FIBA-Asia Championship) after the threat of being suspended by FIBA, the Smart-Gilas and the SBP can continue with its programs after being in temporary jeopardy. Kaya naman pala without compromising your principles," he added. SBP executive director Noli Eala said that the decision of the commission “is final" and not a “conditional decision". “These are just merely compliance. These are not conditions for recognition and it’s a simple procedure that we have to follow," Eala said, referring to the certain terms written by the commission including the FIBA Central Board’s continuous monitoring on basketball issues here. - GMANews.TV