Mitra’s final act

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra held a meeting with officials of different pro basketball leagues at the government agency’s office in Makati to discuss a proposed Memorandum of Understanding laying down rules and regulations for the next administration to implement as his final act before leaving his post which is co-terminus with former president Rodrigo Duterte last Thursday.

Representatives from PBA, MPBL, FilBasket, NBL, Pilipinas Super League and VisMin Cup attended the gathering that Mitra called “to address issues and concerns without bias for a specific league and help the new administration in assessing the current situation of pro sports.” Mitra submitted a proposed MOU “to tackle issues and unlawful activities that may affect the integrity of sports such as game-fixing, point-shaving and athlete pirating across leagues.”

In the discussion, Pilipinas Super League’s Leo Isaac suggested GAB clearance for players transferring leagues after approval by their original league and teams. NBL’s Rhose Montreal cited the case of Bulacan’s Lawrence Mallari who was pirated during the recent NBL semis. FilBasket’s Jai Reyes said with GAB’s support, the league hopes to continue providing livelihood to players and coaches with professionalism as its core value.

“It was a meeting on how all pro leagues can work together to co-exist,” said Reyes. “We took up issues like how to address game-fixing and defaults on payments to players.” PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro said he adheres to the MOU principles and will review the draft closely. He added that rigid training of referees is an ongoing process to uplift the PBA’s standards.

Mitra and other presidential appointees of the previous administration stepped down from office at noontime last June 30. In GAB’s case, lawyer Ermar Benitez was designated OIC up to July 31 or until replacements are appointed. “We hope the gains of the Duterte administration at GAB will be sustained,” said Mitra. “The free medicals should be put into law.” Officers and members of the Association of Professional Boxing Promoters, Managers, Matchmakers, Judges, Trainers and Boxers recently appealed to President Marcos to retain Mitra and commissioners Raul Lagrisola and Ed Trinidad. Among the signatories in the letter of appeal were Cucuy Elorde, Brico Santig, Dino Olivetti, Vic Saludar and Jing-jing Tepora.