PBA approves resumption of games

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA is poised to send the teams back to action in the Governors’ Cup by the first week of February under the same home-venue-home setup.

Sitting in a special board meeting yesterday, the league’s board of governors unanimously gave its blessing to the resumption of scrimmages and games as soon as local government units’ clearance is secured.

“Lahat agree na mag-restart, hopefully by first week of February,” Marcial told The STAR. “Okay na kami sa GAB (Games and Amusements Board) and kailangan na lang ng go-signal from the LGUs.”

The pro league hopes to get the consent of six LGUs with jurisdiction on the practice venues of the 12 clubs for full-contact practices within this week ahead of the eyed tournament restart.

“Magre-request kami through MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) Chairman Benhur Abalos para makapag-start na uli ng scrimmages. After 10 days ng scrimmages, game na tayo,” said Marcial.

The PBA was forced to suspend play and 5-on-5 scrimmages following the surge in COVID-19 cases and Metro Manila’s return to Alert Level 3 at the start of the year.

The pro league’s hopes rose as the GAB endorsed its bid to play again under the Type C bubble to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

Coaches and players from the different teams have all welcomed the idea of resuming play under strict health and safety protocols.

“We’ve done it before. Once we start, we know that we can finish it,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.