They owe it to Manny

They say there is corruption in the way some games are being played in the MPBL. Players are rumored to be betting on outcomes and point spreads. Worse, the suspicion is results are fixed to collect on wagers.

They say some coaches and players aren’t being paid on time, causing demoralization and creating an atmosphere of discontent within the ranks. They say some franchise owners haven’t paid their fees to join the league. Those who’ve paid, in full or partially, are wondering why others are getting away with a free ride. They say the TV production staff made up of cameramen, commentators, directors and crew hasn’t been paid for a while. One commentator claims his professional fee is over 15 games behind. The promise is outstanding accounts will be settled by Christmas but that’s three months away and daily wage earners can’t wait that long.

They say there is friction between commissioner Kenneth Duremdes and chief operating officer Zaldy Realubit. Both MPBL executives maintain staffs that are constantly at odds and don’t get along. They say commitments made to the working staff before the season started in terms of salaries are no longer being honored.

The MPBL is now on its third conference or season and it has grown exponentially from an initial 10 teams to 26 and now, 31. There are 23 teams from Luzon, three from the Visayas and five from Mindanao. It’s a logistical challenge to stage home-and-away games involving 31 teams all over the country but the MPBL is committed to do what it takes to live up to founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s expectations.

It’s not only unfair but also unkind for the wrong-doers involved in the MPBL to treat the Senator this way. He conceived of the MPBL as a vehicle to provide a livelihood to thousands and an opportunity for homegrown players to showcase their skills so that maybe, they’ll be discovered and elevated to the next level. Sen. Pacquiao never thought of the MPBL as a money-maker. All he wanted was to make it self-sustaining so players can rely on a livelihood over the long term. He even opened the doors to ex-pros to give them a chance to continue playing the game they love.

Sen. Pacquiao has resisted the easy way out of declaring the MPBL professional. If the MPBL were professional, the GAB would have authority to keep it in line. But the professional way defeats Sen. Pacquiao’s purpose of laying the groundwork for homegrown and collegiate players to improve their game. If the MPBL were professional, it would be just like the PBA only on a different competitive level. Collegiate players would not be allowed to play in the MPBL if it’s professional.

Because of his work in the Senate, Sen. Pacquiao isn’t expected to be hands-on in the MPBL. That’s why Duremdes, Realubit and those working in the MPBL are supposed to perform in the league’s best interests if only to express appreciation to the Senator for what he is doing for the sport, players and coaches.

Sen. Pacquiao doesn’t deserve the aggravation of addressing conflicts within the MPBL. Franchise owners who’re enjoying a free ride without paying franchise fees should be ashamed of themselves for abusing the Senator’s generosity. They should realize that what they’re doing isn’t just a disservice to Sen. Pacquiao but to the league they belong to. If the MPBL is to survive the test of time and show longevity, franchise owners must prove their commitment by paying up what they owe.

For the warring factions that threaten to fragmentize the MPBL even more, they, too, should be ashamed of their unselfish behavior. Can’t they work together and show the Senator they’re capable of setting aside petty differences for the good of the league? There should be a clear definition of roles among the league executives so functions aren’t interchangeable. All it takes is for the opposing leaders to compromise and work things out to show respect to the Senator and commitment to his vision.

If the MPBL is to enjoy a long existence, officials, players, coaches and everyone involved in the league should realize that only if they do their work right will it happen. The MPBL will not prosper if there is game-fixing, internal dissension and widespread discontent within the ranks. Those who are in position to put things in order shouldn’t wait for the Senator to bang the gavel and recite the Riot Act. They owe it to Sen. Pacquiao to fix what’s broken, to mend fences and to set the league back on the right track. Shame on them if they don’t do what they’re supposed to.