MVP supports Philippines-China friendly

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT chairman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan has thrown his support on the proposed basketball friendly between a PBA selection and a team from China.

Pangilinan agreed that the PBA-China series, which was suggested by PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, could help ease the people’s anxiety amid the ongoing rift in the West Philippine Sea and the pandemic as well.

“Yes to Ricky Vargas’ China friendly,” Pangilinan posted on Twitter yesterday.

“A bit of an oxymoron nowadays. But hey, if it helps break the pressure and provide relief to our people – lllleeeeezzz ggggoooo PBA!” said the top honcho of the TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco Bolts and NLEX Road Warriors franchises in the PBA.

In celebration of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” and the PBA’s 46th anniversary last Friday, Vargas expressed his wish for a best-of-seven exhibition between the Chinese and the “PBA Warriors” to jumpstart the new season and help bring some “semblance of normalcy” to the country.

He suggested NLEX’ Yeng Guiao to be the coach of the PBA crew. The outspoken Guiao told The STAR yesterday he would gladly take the job.

“I will just be ready and waiting,” said the veteran tactician, who previously answered the national team’s call in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship, 2018 Asian Games and 2019 FIBA World Cup.

“Anything I can contribute to educate and create awareness on the issues that confront us on the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

The China friendly is expected to be brought up when the PBA board of governors tackles the league’s 2021 plans, which have been stymied by the recent spike in COVID-19 cases and re-imposition of enhanced community quarantine, in its next meeting.