Show must go on

Whatever decision the PBA Board of Governors makes in resolving the stalemate of whether or not commissioner Chito Narvasa stays in office, the opening of the 43rd season will and must go on as scheduled on Dec. 17. Plans and programs for the coming campaign have been approved by the Board so there’s no turning back. The three-conference format will continue as usual.

It’s in the best interest of the PBA, the fans and the thousands who rely on the pro league for their livelihood that the games go on. The concerns that are causing a divide in the Board shouldn’t deprive the fans and those whose lives depend on the PBA of the benefits the league provides.

The PBA owes so much to the fans that it would be an injustice to take away this important part of their lives. For sure, the Board will resolve the outstanding issues and as a united body, do what is best for the league. In the process, there will be a serious restudy of the PBA Constitution and By-Laws with the end in view of making a clear stipulation on the process of terminating, appointing and reappointing league officers, including the commissioner.

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The PBA is an institution that has been a source of livelihood and entertainment for over 40 years. For the first time in history, its existence is threatened and something must be done to keep the league alive in this time of crisis.

The Board tried to settle the impasse in a meeting at the PBA office three weeks ago but was unsuccessful. Because of the impasse, four governors begged off from making the trip to Los Angeles for the yearly overseas meeting to finalize plans for the coming season. Eight teams were represented in the traveling party but no formal meeting took place.

It’s likely the Board will be reconvened early next month to try to find an acceptable solution. With the 43rd season set to start on Dec. 17, the challenge is to resolve the impasse before the games begin. Even as the stalemate is unbroken, the Board will make sure the league’s operations are not disrupted and it’s business as usual. Plans to stage a six-game, preseason exhibition series are underway and teams are back in the gym preparing for the next campaign.

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Two trades have been approved since the recent draft with at least two more awaiting the go-signal from league authorities. The pending trades involve moving Sidney Onwubere from Phoenix to TNT for JonJon Gabriel and Justin Chua and shifting LA Revilla from Kia to Phoenix for Jayson Grimaldo and a 2018 second round pick.

The Philippine Arena has been booked for a Dec. 25 showdown between Barangay Ginebra and Star in the traditional Christmas Day clash of Manila Clasico. Fans are looking forward to this battle as Ginebra will make its first appearance in the PBA since winning Game 7 over Meralco in the Governors Cup Finals before a record 54,086 fans in the same venue last Oct. 27. They’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t push through.

Who will make the sacrifice to break the impasse?  For the good of the league, the crisis must end sooner than later. But the question of who will take the heroic path of compromise is still up in the air.