Why kill the PBL? - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

I’m not sure if the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) realized that its decision to impose a "professional" tag on the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) was like a stab in the heart – or was it a stab in the back?

After 17 years of operating as a non-professional league, the PBL is suddenly being placed under the GAB’s supervision. You and I know that GAB supervision means giving up three percent of gross receipts to the government agency. For a league that operates on a lean budget, that’s like a death blow.

Clearly, the GAB has something to gain in placing the PBL under its care. So isn’t it imprudent for the GAB to decide on the PBL’s status? Isn’t there such a thing as conflict of interest? What about delicadeza? It’s like a judge in a case where he has a stake in the final decision – the prudent thing to do is to inhibit himself.

Yesterday, the PBL appealed the GAB’s decision to the Office of the President. Since the GAB falls under the jurisdiction of the President, PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad sent his appeal to Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara.

Trinidad is worried that the change in status will signal the PBL’s death.

"Why rock the boat – it’s been cruising for 17 years," says the 33-year-old Trinidad, the PBL’s 10th Commissioner and its youngest ever. "Why can’t the GAB accept that we’re not a professional league, we’re a non-stock, non-profit group. We were formed to promote and develop amateur basketball. None of our income is distributed to our teams unlike in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) which remits profits to its franchises."

Trinidad says from its inception, the PBL was conceived as a self-regulating body. "While we are not a professional league, we also don’t agree to be supervised by the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines)," continues Trinidad. "We have no confidence in the BAP. We accept that the BAP is the governing body sanctioned by the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) but there is nothing in the law that requires us to affiliate with the BAP. For 17 years, we’ve existed as an independent, autonomous league – why change it now?"

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In his letter to Secretary Angara, Trinidad argues: "The PBL has been the training ground for our basketball players who eventually land in the professional leagues. It has also represented our country in international basketball competitions. The PBL can rightfully claim that it has nurtured a solid reputation as evidenced by its nationwide patronage. It is not tainted by any controversy or scandal. It is well-managed and professionally organized. In short, it is doing very well on its own and government and/or GAB intervention or supervision is absolutely unnecessary."

Trinidad adds that GAB control will eventually result in the PBL’s dissolution.

"It would in effect place all athletes who receive any compensation under GAB regulation and supervision," he says. "This would discourage even the schools from giving scholarship grants and allowances to deserving athlete students. Incentives to promising students will be scrapped. GAB supervision should apply only to professional sports organizations and athletes who participate in tournaments or contests organized by those professional organizations."

The PBL has existing arrangements with the UAAP and NCAA for school players to play in the league – these arrangements will be impossible if the PBL is under GAB control.

Trinidad explains that just because PBL players play for pay doesn’t mean the league is professional in the same manner that paid players who participate in the Olympics do not make the Olympics a professional competition. "The play-for-pay criterion would lead to absurd undesirable consequences," notes Trinidad. "If the GAB is sustained on this matter, all sports tournaments, leagues and contests, from boxing, cycling, bowling, tennis, golf, and others will be under GAB control, contrary to its own avowed policy of less government is the best government."

Trinidad is wondering why the GAB is pushing to supervise the PBL after all these years. "Could it be a conspiracy since we all know GAB Chairman (Dominador) Cepeda is a drinking buddy of Spar (BAP’s newly-reinstated President Lito Puyat)?" muses Trinidad. "Since we’re not agreeable to be under the BAP, maybe this is Puyat’s way of getting back."

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I agree with Trinidad. Let the PBL sink or swim on its own. Surely, the GAB has more than enough on its plate to keep busy.

As for Trinidad, he says he’ll stay on the job, even if it means foregoing a broadcasting career, for as long as the PBL team owners support his leadership and he continues to be effective. Before Trinidad, several prominent individuals served as PBL Commissioner – Joe Pavia, Moying Martelino, Philip Juico, Charlie Favis, Andy Jao, Tito Tagle, Ramoncito Campos, Ogie Narvasa and Yeng Guiao.

"The PBL is at the crossroads," says Trinidad. "How this GAB issue is resolved will determine its future. I’m committed to the league – that’s why I’m fighting for it. My goal is to lay the groundwork for the next 10 to 20 years, to assure the PBL’s stability."

I’ve known Trinidad for years as a man of conviction – strong-willed, sometimes stubborn but always outspoken. We worked together on a lot of basketball broadcasts. The PBL is lucky that Trinidad is on its side. He’s a fighter who isn’t intimidated by daunting odds or influential government heavyweights. He fights for what he believes is right.

Let’s hope Secretary Angara sees the light.