Protocol Violators, beware!

MANILA, Philippines — With play about to restart in a semi-bubble setup in Bacolor, Pampanga, the PBA warned of stiff sanctions for would-be violators of the league’s strengthened health and safety protocols.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said fines of up to P75,000 and suspension without pay await players or anyone who would break the strict guidelines, especially the hotel-venue-hotel routine.

“Walang face mask, P1,000 fine agad yun,” Marcial told Agenda on One News yesterday.

“Oras na lumabas ka ng hotel na hindi namin alam, may makakita sa iyo, may magte-testify, o may video, P50,000 to P75,000 na fine. Pwede ka pang masuspindi ng ilang araw without pay,” he added.

The PBA had previously thrown the book on Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon for “protocol breach” right before the Season 46 Philippine Cup kicked off last July in Pasig. Jalalon was fined P75,000 and suspended without pay for five days for playing in an unauthorized pickup game.

The pro league is looking to resume action at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor within the week.

It expects to finalize the initial game assignments by today upon receiving the results of the RT-PCR tests. Participants were swabbed yesterday ahead of the planned reopening.

Marcial said aside from the regular RT-PCR testing every Monday, teams will have to undergo antigen testing in the morning of their game days.

The league has set a threshold of three positive results before a team is put on hold for 10 days. And if six teams yield three or more positive cases each, the tournament will be called off.

“Ganoon kahigpit,” said Marcial.