Pascual makes elite group of refs for Tokyo Games

MANILA, Philippines — Ferdinand “Bong” Pascual is to make history in the Tokyo Games as he’s to become the first Filipino basketball referee to officiate in back-to-back Olympics.

“It’s a great honor and wonderful gift. I’m celebrating my birthday in Tokyo. It’s my last hurrah dahil di na ako bumabata,” said Pascual, turning 51 during the course of the Olympic basketball where he’s one of only five Asians in the pool of refs.

Prior to his Tokyo Olympic task, Pascual will also be part of the officiating crew in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, Canada on June 29-July 4.

“This Olympics is my last hurrah because of my age, mahirap mag-prepara, and because of my commitment with the PBA,” said Pascual, the PBA supervisor of referees.

The Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija native worked games up to the quarterfinals in the Rio Olympics, and has been to two FIBA World Cups (2014 in Spain and 2019 in China).

In the China World, he was part of the team that officiated the quarterfinal game where France stunned the US team, 89-79. He also worked the bronze-medal game between Australia and France.

He had nominations in the recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers but begged off due to pandemic concerns.

But the Tokyo Games is an event he wouldn’t pass up on.

“Baka maapektuhan ang federation natin. And I know this is an honor not just for me but the country,” said Pascual.

Before the Rio Olympics, Medardo Felipe was the lone Filipino ref to have made the elite group of refs in the Olympics.