GAB can’t vouch for MPBL, PVL, PSL

MANILA, Philippines — For “semi-pro” leagues like the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Philippine Superliga (PSL) to be allowed to resume practices, they must find a government agency to back them up the way the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) vouched for pro basketball, football and boxing.

GAB chairman Abraham Mitra said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) allowing the PBA, the Philippine Football League and professional boxing to resume training was facilitated in part by the government regulatory body for professional sports in the country.

“Since it concerns health, there should be someone accountable. Now if GAB is there, we will be accountable to the DOH (Department of Health) and IATF if there will be contamination or transmission there (leagues),” said Mitra in a recent interview with Radyo Singco 92.3 News FM.

“The MPBL wanted to practice, to start their league. But who will watch them? Of course, the local government unit will be there. But a national agency should regulate them and make sure health protocols are in place,” he added.

Mitra said they had asked the MPBL, PVL and PSL to be placed under GAB supervision way before the coronavirus pandemic. But all three refused, saying they are semi-pro or amateur in nature.

“We have reached out to them. They don’t want to admit they’re pros, which is sad because according to (Philippine Sports Commission) chairman (Butch) Ramirez, as long as you are paid and do not play for flag (country), then you’re professional and so they should be under the government through GAB,” said Mitra.

“We talked to the volleyball leagues, MPBL, and they all refused,” he added.

Ricky Palou, president of Sports Vision, which organizes the PVL, said they will seek help from the PSC regarding the matter.

To be under GAB supervision, professional athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, promoters, referees, and the leagues as well as their officials must secure and pay the fees for a GAB license.